County Boards, Commissions and Councils
More: Snohomish County Commissions
Current Board and Commission Openings
The duties, qualifications for service, meeting dates and term lengths for county commissions, boards and public councils vary greatly. For more information about any of these opportunities or to receive a nomination form, please contact County.Executive@co.snohomish.wa.us or call 425-388-3460.
Agriculture Advisory Board
The Agricultural Advisory Board is an advisory body to the Council, Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner and county staff. The board’s continuing mandate is to support and reinforce the county’s agricultural preservation plan. The Board is made up of 13 members who meet very specific criteria (as follows), who serve 4-year terms and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Members are appointed by the Council on recommendation of the County Executive. Contact 425-388-3311.
Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Admin Board
The AOD is required by RCW 70.96A and County Ordinance 87-061 to address issues related to alcohol and other drugs’ treatment and prevention. Board is made up of 15 members, including two from each Council District, four recovering alcohol or drug abusers, a minority representative, and no more than 4 elected or appointed county or city officials. Law enforcement, medical profession and education representatives are encouraged. Members serve 3-year terms and may not serve more than 3 consecutive terms. Contact 425-388-7233.
Animal Advisory Board
The Animal Advisory Board was established by Council in 1997. The Board is made up of nine members, of whom six are licensed Snohomish County kennel owners and three represent a broad range of interests relating to animal issues and who reside within the county. Members serve three-year terms, and are limited to three consecutive terms. Contact 425-388-3505.
Board Of Appeals (Code Advisory)
SCC 17.50 created the Board of Appeals for the efficient administration of Snohomish County codes in determining the suitability of alternate materials and methods of construction relating to the provisions of Chapters 16.04 (fire), 17.18 (mechanical) and 17.28 (mobile home) SCC. The Board is made up of nine members and shall consist of, as nearly as practical, a spectrum of the development industry, such as one architect, one building official, two builders, two fire service representatives, one engineer and two plumbers. The Board shall adopt reasonable rules and regulations to conduct its investigations and shall render all decision and findings in writing to the building official, and may recommend to Council such new legislation as it believes appropriate. Board members serve three-year terms and are appointed by Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact the County Building Official at 425-388-3411.
Board of Equalization
The Board of Equalization is made up of five members who serve three-year terms and are limited to three consecutive full terms. No more than two board members may reside in the same Council district. Board members must have knowledge of property values, and may not be an elected official or employed by an elected official. Board members are appointed by Council on the recommendation from the Executive. Contact 425-388-3445.
Boundary Review Board
The state Boundary Review Board for Snohomish County reviews and rules on proposed annexations and incorporations for cities and /or special purpose districts (water, sewer districts, etc.). The board consists of five citizen volunteers who are appointed by the Governor (two appointments), local cities (one appointment), the county (one appointment), and local special purpose districts (one appointment).
Central Ferry (Edmonds) Advisory Committee
RCW 47.60.310 created local ferry advisory committees to provide local perspectives and recommendations to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Applicants should have an active interest in issues pertaining to ferry service; ferry commuters or people with businesses impacted by ferry terminal locations and schedules are especially valuable committee members. Each committee is made up of three persons who must be Snohomish County residents and who serve four-year terms. “Not more than two members of any terminal-area committee may be from the same political party at the time of their appointment, and in a county having more than one committee; the overall party representation shall be as nearly equal as possible.” Local committees meet quarterly within their own regions; each committee chair also serves on a state executive committee, which meets monthly with state officials. Committee members are appointed by Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact 425-388-3876.
Children’s Commission
SSC 2.410 created the Children's Commission, "which shall serve as advisors on issues of health, safety and social services for infants, young children and youth in the community." The commission advises the Executive and Human Services department staff on matters related the administration and enhancement of children's programs. The Board is made up of 25 members, at least two of whom are youth under the age of 18. Three members shall be appointed from each council district, with the remaining 10 at-large appointments from anywhere in the county. Commissioners serve 4-year terms, except for youth commissioners, who serve 1-year terms. Commissioners may not serve more than 3 consecutive terms. The County Council may appoint an ex-officio member. Contact 425.388.7390.
Civil Service Commission
RCW 41.14 created the Civil Service Commission “to establish a merit system of employment for county deputy sheriffs and other employees of the office of county sheriff, thereby raising the standards and efficiency of such offices and law enforcement in general.” It is made up of three persons who serve six-year terms. Commissioners must have been residents of Snohomish County for at least two years, may not be county employees or public officials, and no more than two can be from the same political party. Contact 425-388-3600.
Community Services Advisory Council
The Community Services Advisory Council was established by the County Council in 1986 to advise the county “on all matters relating to the causes of poverty and to a reduction in the effects of poverty.” The Council is made up of at least 12 but no more than 24 members, including at least two from each Council district, and equal representation among the following groups: Community/Private Sector, Low-Income Representatives, and Public Elected Officials. Members serve 4-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Council members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact 425-388-7244.
Conservation Futures Program Advisory Board
The Board makes annual recommendations to the Council for projects to be funded as part of the Conservation Futures program, and develop strategic, long-range plans for the program. Recommendations from the board are forwarded to the County Executive for transmittal to the County Council for final action. The Board consists of the County Executive (or designee); two members of County Council; one elected official selected by all cities & towns whose population base, independently, is 10,000 or greater; one elected official selected by all cities and towns whose population base, independently, is less than 10,000; and two members representing citizens of Snohomish County. Board members serve 4-year terms. Contact 425-388-6621.
Council On Aging
SCC 2.450 authorizes the Human Services Department to administer and coordinate county programs and projects relating to human services in accordance with county, state and federal laws or regulations. The Council is made up of no more than 30 members, who serve three-year terms. Members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact 425-388-7377.
Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
SCC 2.400.030 authorizes the Human Services department to administer and coordinate county programs and projects relating to human services in accordance with county, state and federal laws or regulations. DSHS, through its division of developmental disabilities, has a program to provide child development services, community access services, individual supported employment, grant-supported employment, and specialized industries employment. The Board is made up of 15 members, who serve 3-year terms and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Board members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact 425-388-7208.
Ethics Commission
SCC 2.50 created the Ethics Commission to receive complaints of ethics violations and otherwise administer the county’s Code of Ethics. The commission is made up of five members who serve three-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive full terms. “No member of the commission, during his or her tenure, shall: a) hold or be a candidate for elective office; b) be an officer of any political party or political committee; c) make contributions to, or permit his or her name to be used in support of, or in opposition to, any candidate for county office; d) lobby or employ or assist a lobbyist.” Members are appointed by the Council on recommendation of the County Executive. Contact 425-388-3494.
Evergreen State Fair Advisory Board
The Fair Board is composed of eleven members, five representing the Council district in which they reside, and six at-large members who may live anywhere in the county. The board meets at least monthly and represents a broad range of interests. It was created to advise, consult and assist the fair manager in the operation and maintenance of the Evergreen State Fair. Members serve four-year terms and are limited to three consecutive full terms. Contact 425-388-5708.
Housing Authority Board Of Commissions
The Housing Authority Board is made up of six members, at least one of whom must be assisted by a HUD-supported housing program. Commissioners serve five-year terms and are limited to three consecutive full terms. A representative of each Council district is not specifically required. Commission members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact 425-290-8499.
Lake Stevens Park & Recreation Area Government Advisory Board
On March 12, 2002, voters in the Lake Stevens area established the Lake Stevens Park and Recreation Service Area. That area’s boundaries are the same as the Lake Stevens School District. A subsequent interlocal agreement between the city and county establishes the Lake Stevens Park and Recreation Service Area Governing Advisory Board. That board shall be made up of four members, three appointed by the county from persons living in unincorporated Snohomish County and one appointed by the City of Lake Stevens from persons living within the city limits. Board members serve two-year terms, and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Board members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact 425-388-6621.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
The Lodging Tax Advisory committee was established to review applications for funding from lodging taxes collected by the county and to make recommendations to the County Council on those applications and related lodging tax issues. The Board is made up of 6 members. The chair is a County Council member, two members represent lodging establishments, two members represent agencies or activities eligible for lodging tax funding, and one is an ex officio (non-voting) representative of a Snohomish County city. Committee members are appointed by the Council. Contact 425-388-3494.
Marine Resources Advisory Board
SCC 2.800: The Marine Resources Advisory Committee was authorized by federal legislation under the Murray-Metcalf Northwest Straits Initiative to advise Snohomish County on ways to protect the county’s Puget Sound shorelines and biological resources (such as bottom fish and shellfish). The Committee is made up of no more than 11 members with balanced representation from individuals with relevant experience or scientific experience representing a) local governments; b) affected economic interests; c) recreational, conservation or environmental interests; and d) local tribal governments. Members serve three-year terms.
Mental Health Advisory Board
The Mental Health Advisory Board was created to “review and evaluate the mental health needs, services and facilities” and make appropriate recommendations to the Council through the Executive regarding county programs and services. Membership is made up of no less than nine nor more than 15 members, representative of the community and including consumer and minority representation. No more than four elected or appointed city officials may serve on the board at the same time. Members serve 3-year terms and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Board members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact 425-388-7209.
North Central (Mukilteo) Ferry Advisory Commission
RCW 47.60.310 created local ferry advisory committees to provide local perspectives and recommendations to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Applicants should have an active interest in issues pertaining to ferry service; ferry commuters or people with businesses impacted by ferry terminal locations and schedules are especially valuable committee members. Each committee is made up of three persons who must be Snohomish County residents and who serve four-year terms. “Not more than two members of any terminal-area committee may be from the same political party at the time of their appointment, and in a county having more than one committee; the overall party representation shall be as nearly equal as possible.” Local committees meet quarterly within their own regions; each committee chair also serves on a state executive committee, which meets twice yearly with state officials. Contact 425-388-3494.
Northsound Mental Health Admin Advisory Board
The state Legislature enacted SSB 5400 in 1989, which allows interested counties to form a regional support network for certain mental health services. The five counties of northwestern Washington (Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom) comprise the North Sound Mental Health Administration (formerly Regional Support Network). The NSMHA advisory board advocates for the interests of mentally ill persons and their families, and provides recommendations to the NSMHA board of directors, consisting of elected officials from the five counties. The advisory board is comprised of 21 members, eight from Snohomish County. Board members serve three-year terms and are appointed by Council on recommendation of the County Executive. Contact 425-388-7209.
Noxious Weed Control Board
RCW 17.10 and SCC 3.42 created the Noxious Weed Board to adopt rules and regulations necessary for an effective weed control or eradication program. It is made up of five members, each of whom represents a specific geographic Weed Control District, and one at-large member. Nominations to the board must be accompanied by signatures of 15 registered voters living within the weed control district. Nominees are recommended by the County Executive and confirmed by Council pursuant to SCC 2.03.040. Board members serve four-year terms. Contact 360-862-7501.
Parks Advisory Board
SCC 2.16.030 created the Parks Advisory Board to assist the parks department “in reviewing and recommending policies relating to parks, playgrounds or other recreational facilities.” The board is made up of 11 members, five residing within and representing their Council districts, and six at-large who may reside anywhere within the county. The Board’s composition shall be representative of a broad range of interests. Board members serve four-year terms. Board members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact 425-388-6611.
Performance Audit Committee
The Performance Audit Committee is made up of eight members, consisting of the County Auditor and seven appointed members. Of those seven, two are appointed by the Executive and five are appointed by Council: one by each Councilmember and confirmed by Council so that each Council district is represented by at least one committee member. Committee members must be Snohomish County residents and have backgrounds that demonstrate knowledge or experience that would be beneficial in carrying out the tasks of the committee. Contact 425-388-3006.
Pilchuck Development Corporation Board Of Directors
The Pilchuck Development Corporation was chartered by Snohomish County to promote local economic development efforts by issuing non-recourse industrial revenue bonds to finance eligible manufacturing facilities within the county. Its board of directors is made up of seven members, who serve staggered six-year terms. Contact 425-388-3219.
Public Facilities District Board Of Directors
The Public Facilities District was chartered by Snohomish County to oversee potential acquisition, construction, operation and financing of one or more regional centers and related parking as allowed for in RCW 36.100. The board is made up of five members appointed by Council “to reflect the interests of cities and towns in the county, as well as unincorporated areas of the county.” Board members serve four-year terms, with initial appointments staggered so that two of the initial five members served two-year terms. Contact 425-388-3862.
Salary Commission
The Citizens’ Commission on Salaries of Elected Officials was created in 1997 to “study the relationship of salaries to the duties of all elected officials and … recommend the salary for each position.” It is comprised of seven members, one from each Council district and two at-large members who may reside anywhere within the county. Appointments are nominated by the Executive and confirmed by Council, with the provision that Council members may make recommendations to the Executive. Board members serve four-year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms. Contact 425-388-3876.