Volunteer Opportunities on City Boards, Committees and Commissions

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The Yakima City Council is seeking volunteers interested in serving on City of Yakima boards, committees, and commissions:

  • Arts Commission has two agency representative positions (Larson Gallery and Seasons) and one community representative position vacant. Additionally, one agency rep (Capitol Theatre) and one community rep position will expire June 30, 2025.
  • Community Integration committee has three non-youth vacancies and one youth vacancy.
  • Henry Beauchamp Community Center will have one position expiring June 30, 2025.
  • Historic Preservation Commission will have two positions expiring June 30, 2025.
  • Parks and Recreation Commission has one vacancy and one position expiring June 30, 2025.
  • Public Facilities District Board will have two positions expiring June 30, 2025.
  • Sustainable Yakima Committee has three non-youth vacancies.
  • Tree City USA Board has one vacancy (specific to City Arborist) and will have two positions expiring June 30, 2025.

It is the responsibility of the City Council to appoint people to serve on the governing bodies of those organizations.

More about the volunteer opportunities:

  • Members of the Arts Commission serve 3-year terms. The community member position shall be from diverse backgrounds and have no vested interest in any particular art or cultural endeavor. The agency representative represents local arts organizations established by Council. At least three community reps shall be city residents.
  • Members on the Community Integration Committee serve 4-year terms while youth positions serve 2-year terms. Youth applicants must live within Yakima city limits and be between the ages of 16-22 at the time of appointment. Appointments shall be made to ensure that varied community perspectives are represented to the extent possible.
  • There are seven members on the Henry Beauchamp Community Center Advisory Board, all of whom serve 4-year terms and must live within Yakima city limits. This board holds quarterly meetings and makes recommendations to the center operator and the City regarding management policies, operations, maintenance, and capital improvement needs.
  • There are seven members on the Historic Preservation Commission, all of whom serve 4-year terms and must live within Yakima city limits. Members shall include at least three professionals who have experience in identifying, evaluating, and protecting historic resources and are selected from among the disciplines of history, architecture, architectural history, landscape architecture, historic preservation, planning, folklore, cultural anthropology, prehistoric and historic archaeology, American studies, curation, traditional building crafts, the practice of historic rehabilitation or restoration, finance and banking, law, real estate, or related disciplines.
  • Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission must live within Yakima city limits. Non-youth members serve four-year terms and youth members must be between 16-22 years of age at the time of appointment in order to be eligible to serve a 2-year term.
  • Members of the Public Facilities District Board serve four-year terms. Applicants shall not be members of the legislative authority of the cities of Selah, Union Gap, or Yakima while serving on the board and must be bondable. Members shall have knowledge and/or experience in tourism, convention, and/or business.
  • The Sustainable Yakima Committee is comprised of seven members who serve four-year terms. There shall be a preference, but not a requirement, for committee members to have expertise in climate science, engineering, energy management, water conservation, planning, environmental policy making, environmental law, economics, solid waste management, forestry, systems analysis and/or communications.
  • The Tree City USA Board consists of five members. The board seeks individuals with experience related to trees and other plantings, specifically those with training as arborists.

Some commissions require a supplemental application or resume to be submitted. Additional information on the duties and responsibilities of each committee and the application form can be found online at: www.yakimawa.gov/council/boards-commissions/

Anyone interested in applying for a position can submit their application to the City Clerk’s Office no later than the end of business day on April 18, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by the Council Nominating Committee. It is the responsibility of the City Council to appoint people to serve on the governing bodies of those organizations.

Applicants Sought – News ReleaseDownload