An important way we partner with our community to better understand and address its diverse needs is through City advisory boards, commissions, committees and task forces. Volunteer members of these groups advise policymakers and provide essential support to the City, bringing varied perspectives and lived experiences for City leaders to consider while making decisions.
These groups are required by the City Charter, or enacted via City ordinance, or are enabled by state law. Interested community members apply to be considered. Members are appointed by the Mayor, sometimes requiring City Council approval. Most groups are advisory to the Mayor and/or City Council.
Serving the public’s interest is a top priority for all our advisory groups. Membership is an honor and an important responsibility, requiring commitment of time, energy and expertise, commitment to comply with laws, and interest in promoting public trust and accountability.
More information about expectations of advisory group members, and of the City in facilitating advisory groups, available on our Facilitating Successful Community Engagement with City Advisory Groups page.
Boards and Commissions
Details about each advisory group, including its mission and responsibilities, meeting schedule, and other information can be found below:
- Arts Commission
- Bellingham Public Library Board of Trustees
- Bellingham-Whatcom Public Facilities District
- Bellingham / Whatcom Commission Against Domestic Violence
- Civil Service Commission
- Community Development Advisory Board
- Design Review Board
- EMS Oversight Board
- EMS Technical Advisory Board
- Greenways Advisory Committee
- Historic Preservation Commission
- Housing Authority Board of Commissioners
- Immigration Advisory Board (dissolved October 2024)
- Lake Whatcom Watershed Advisory Board (dissolved June 2023)
- Mayor’s Neighborhood Advisory Commission
- Parks & Recreation Advisory Board
- Planning and Development Commission
- Sehome Hill Arboretum Board of Governors
- Shoreline Committee (appointed Planning Commission members)
- Sister Cities Advisory Board
- Tourism Commission
- Transportation Commission
- Water Resources Advisory Board
- Whatcom Museum Foundation Board
- WHAT-COMM Administrative Board
Limited-Duration Task Forces and Work Groups
- Keep Washington Working Act Work Group (new)
- The Bellingham Plan Community Work Group (work completed)
- Climate Action Research Community Working Groups (work completed)
- Salary Commission (work completed)
- Broadband Advisory Work Group (work completed)
- Climate Action Plan Task Force (work completed)
- Fairhaven Parking Task Force (work completed)
- Community Solutions Work Groups (work completed)
- Countywide Housing Affordability Task Force (work completed)
- Energy Task Force (work completed)
Resources
- Current Vacancies
- Online Application
- Facilitating Successful Community Engagement with City Advisory Groups
- Open Government Training (required for all advisory group members)
- Mayor’s Office Contacts
