City of Olympia to begin recruitment for advisory boards in October

The City of Olympia is launching an annual recruitment for vacant positions on city advisory boards, commissions and committees.

The process will begin in October. City staffers are going to determine which members plan to step aside, seek reappointment or have yet to make a decision.

Of the city’s current advisory members, Assistant City Manager Stacey Ray said two have confirmed they will not return, while 16 want to continue serving. Ten members remain undecided.

The seven known vacancies to be filled in 2026 include two on the Arts Commission, two on the Cultural Access Advisory Board, one on the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, and one each on the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee and Heritage Commission, where members are not seeking reappointment.

The recruitment process runs through December. In January, advisory groups are going to help screen applicants and recommend candidates to the CLPS committee.

As in past years, council members typically request a pool of applicants that is double the number of open positions to ensure options during the selection process.

Interviews with candidates are expected in February and March, followed by the city council’s formal appointment process. New and returning members begin their terms in April.

Ray noted the timeline and structure of the annual recruitment remains under review, with opportunities to better align the schedule with council priorities and staff capacity.