Volunteer Opportunities on City Boards and Commissions

The Yakima City Council is asking volunteers interested in serving on the City of Yakima Planning Commission, Community Review Board, Parks and Recreation Commission, and the Southeast Community Center Advisory Committee to submit applications to the City Clerk’s office.

The Planning Commission and Community Review Board currently have one open position each, the Southeast Community Center Advisory Committee has two open positions, and the Parks and Recreation Commission has two open positions and one open youth position. It is the responsibility of the City Council to appoint people to serve on the governing bodies of those organizations.

There are seven members of the Planning Commission, all of whom serve six-year terms and must live within Yakima city limits or own a business or real property within city limits. The Planning Commission meets twice monthly and works on long range planning issues within city limits.

There is no residency requirement for service on the Community Review Board, but the positions must represent different aspects of the public as a whole. The open position is represents the business or rental communities. The Board has seven members who serve three-year terms. The Community Review Board is responsible for conducting administrative hearings and rendering decisions based upon written findings and to do all things necessary and proper to carry out and enforce Chapter 11.10, YMC. The Board holds twice monthly meetings, but may also conduct additional meetings as needed.

There are seven members on the Parks and Recreation Commission, all of whom serve four-year terms and must live within Yakima city limits. The Commission holds monthly meetings and advises the City Council and Parks and Recreation Manager concerning the formulation of policy, plans, and programs to maintain and operate City parks and carry out recreation programs. Youth members of the Parks and Recreation Commission must live within city limits and be between 16-22 years of age at the time of appointment and serve a two-year term.

There are seven members on the Southeast Community Center Advisory Board, all of whom serve four-year terms and must live within Yakima city limits. The Board holds quarterly meetings and makes recommendations to the center operator and the City regarding management policies, operations, maintenance, and capital improvement needs.

Anyone interested in applying for openings can download an application from the City of Yakima website – www.yakimawa.gov/council/assets/BoardsCommissionsApplication.pdf – or can pick up an application at the City Clerk’s office at Yakima City Hall.

For more information about current or future openings on City of Yakima boards, committees, or commissions, contact City Clerk Sonya Claar Tee by phone (575-6037) or by e-mail ( sonya.claartee@yakimawa.gov ).

Volunteer Opportunities on City Boards – News Release