Posted
Various boards, committees and commissions advise the Board of Commissioners on matters of interest to people who live and work in Washington County. Commission members are volunteers appointed by the Board of Commissioners. Serving on a board or commission is an opportunity for county residents to participate in decisions that affect them and to learn more about how local government works. Boards and commissions study issues and make recommendations to the Board as they consider various policy decisions.
The application deadline is May 14, 2024, or open until filled. Applications may be obtained by visiting the Boards and Commissions website.
Advisory Council on Racial Equity (ACRE) – 1 position available now
Description: The Advisory Council on Racial Equity (ACRE) is a 15-member body that serves to advise the Board in relation to their work to center and build racial equity, diversity and inclusion into the County’s budget, strategic plan, legislative agenda, policies, programmatic priorities, and departmental priorities. They also engage with the community to establish external accountability and to ensure community needs are prioritized by the County.
Member Description: The ACRE will be comprised primarily of Board appointed Washington County residents and community partners with lived experience of racial inequity. The Council will consist of no more than 15 members including two liaisons from the Washington County Board of Commissioners. Members will include a mix of representatives of community-based organizations and at-large community members. Members will represent racial equity expertise, as well as geographic and demographic diversity. The Council convenes under the joint leadership of two Co-Chairs, one Co-Chair represents the County Board of Commissioners, and the other Co-Chair represents the community.
Term: Varies
Time Commitment: Two (2) hours monthly to attend scheduled meetings. Two to four (2-4) hours of preparation time (in addition to meeting time) before and following meetings. Co-chairs will commit an additional four (4) hours per quarter to ACRE leadership duties.
Meetings: ACRE typically meets on the first Monday of each month from 6:00pm - 8:00pm in-person, with a virtual option. Meetings are at the Washington County Public Services Building at 155 N. 1st Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97214.
Contact: Amanda Garcia-Snell, 503-846-6288
Aging and Veteran Services Advisory Council – 7 positions available now and 3 positions available after Jun 30, 2024
Description: Planning for future services and reviewing current programs are two key roles for these 19 volunteers (13 regular and 6 alternate members). Their community ties and personal or professional familiarity with issues facing seniors and veterans make them an invaluable resource for Washington County Disability, Aging & Veterans' Services and the Board of Commissioners. The Council advises the department on policy, programs, and actions affecting the delivery of services and generally serves as an advocate for veterans and the older individuals.
Member Description: Nineteen members (13 regular and 6 alternate) including: consumers over age 60, Minority, an elected official, Veterans Healthcare Provider, Veterans Provider, General Public, under 60 veteran and Rural.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 5 to 10 hours per month
Meetings: Usually the third Thursday of every other month, 9:00 am to 12:00 pm
Contact: Janet Long, 503-846-3081
Audit Committee – 4 positions available now and 4 positions available after Jun 30, 2024
Description: Independent oversight is critical to the effectiveness of financial statement audits. The Audit Committee monitors audits of the County's finances, in the belief that access to knowledgeable individuals help prevent an excessive reliance on the expertise of the external auditor.
Member Description: The Audit Committee shall be comprised of not less than 5 and not more than 9 members appointed by the BCC. One member shall be appointed from the membership of the BCC. No employee of the County shall be appointed to the committee. No appointee shall have any direct business relationship with the County. All community members of Washington County are welcome to apply for the appointment to the Audit Committee. The majority and at least four of the appointees to the committee shall be knowledgeable in accounting and auditing practices as demonstrated by personal or professional experiences in auditing, accounting, or finance. A quorum is represented by a majority of the appointed committee members. Any formal action will be taken by a majority vote by a quorum of the membership. In the event that urgent business must be transacted between regularly scheduled meetings a vote of the membership may be taken by electronic mail. Members shall be appointed for terms of three (3) years or less. Each term shall start July 1 of the applicable year. Members shall be appointed to achieve staggered three (3) year terms. The Audit Committee shall annually elect one member to serve as chairperson. The Audit Committee shall adopt by-laws or operational guidelines as it deems appropriate, consistent with adopted County policies. The County’s Chief Financial Officer and staff in the Finance Department serve as staff support to the Audit Committee.
Term: 3 Years
Time Commitment: The two meetings are scheduled for 90-minutes each and can run shorter (most likely) or longer (less likely). So total time commitment is three hours.
Meetings: One meeting after the start of the fiscal year (July) and prior to the start of field work (October). The second meeting is in January after the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report is issued and prior to the Board accepting the financial statements at their first meeting in February.
Contact: Ling Huang-Dressel, 503-846-8414 or Ethel Gallares, 503-846-8004
Behavioral Health Council – 7 positions available now
Description: The Behavioral Health Council advises the Behavioral Health Division, and identifies community needs, recommends funding priorities, and helps select and evaluate service providers. The County's emphasis on contracting with community agencies for social services makes the work of this volunteer advisory council critical.
Member Description: Comprised of nineteen members including recipients of service, advocates, professionals in the field, key referral sources, provider representatives, and lay citizens. Members are residents of the county or have work interests in the county.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 2 to 3 hours per month
Meetings: Fourth Wednesday, 9:00 am to 11:00 am
Contact: Nicholas Ocon, 503-846-4590
Columbia Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac) – 2 positions available now
Description: The Columbia-Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac) is a private non-profit organization established to assist in diversifying and strengthening the economy and livability of Northwest Oregon. The district covers all of Clatsop, Columbia, and Tillamook counties and the western part of Washington County (including Banks, Cornelius, Forest Grove, Gaston, and North Plains). Col-Pac members must be community members that reside in the Col Pac District. Col-Pac’s mission is to promote and sustain healthy communities in the district through retention, diversification and expansion of the economic base. The goal is healthy and thriving communities. A strong and diversified economic base that provides family-wage jobs is a significant component and contributor to healthy communities. Col-Pac's economic development activities focus on blending the natural resource-based industries in the region with new economic development opportunities that historically have not been part of the area's economy. As an economic development district, Col-Pac provides capacity building, coordination and establishment of basic economic development foundation building tools for NW Oregon.
Member Description: Governed by a 17-member volunteer Board of Directors, Col-Pac consists of local public and private leaders including representatives from county commissions, cities, ports, the private sector, workforce, and the minority community. Col-Pac also has a seven-member Loan Administration Board that oversees the District's Revolving Loan Fund. Col-Pac members must be community members that reside in the Col Pac District.
Term: 2 years
Meetings: March of each year
Contact: Matt Craigie, 503-846-8295
Enhanced Sheriff Patrol District/Urban Road Maintenance District Budget Committee (ESPD/URMD) – 1 position available now and 1 position available after Jun 30, 2024
Description: Reviews the proposed budget developed for the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District and the Urban Road Maintenance District in unincorporated Washington County.
Member Description: Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. The five residents must live within the ESPD boundaries.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: Approximately one two-hour meeting in April and two two-hour meetings in May that total 6-8 hours; additional meetings may be added.
Meetings: One two-hour evening meeting in mid-April as budget committee orientation, a two-hour evening meeting in mid-May to receive the proposed budget, and a two-hour evening meeting in late May to approve the budget. There are some years when additional meeting(s) with the Budget Committee take place prior to the May meetings. These meetings are publicly noticed.
Contact: Greg Munn, 503-846-8756
Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District (ESPD) Advisory Committee – 3 positions available now
Description: The ESPD works with the Sheriff and other officials from the Sheriff's Office to review and offer recommendations regarding the level and type of police service in the ESPD and advises on strategic goals and direction. Future considerations will be to review long-range opportunities for future enhanced law enforcement and community collaboration.
Member Description: Members of the committee are appointed and serve at the approval of the Sheriff. The Sheriff has the discretion to appoint committee members for additional terms of office. Committee members shall be residents or business owners of the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District.
Term: 2 Years
Meetings: The advisory committee meets the first Wednesday every other month.
Contact: Sharon Gray, 503-846-2506
Fairgrounds Development Advisory Committee – 3 positions available now
Description: The Fairgrounds Advisory Committee provides input on the priorities and development of the Fairgrounds Master Plan, and other plans including capital projects, maintenance, non-fair marketing and other strategic initiatives. As advocates, this committee works with local partners and the community at-large to communicate and encourage participation in Fairground developments.
Member Description: Nine members who represent the county geographically and in fields of interest or occupation. Two members are ex officio: a member of the Board of Commissioners and the President of the Fair Board (or designee)
Term: 3 Years
Time Commitment: TBD
Meetings: TBD
Contact: Leah Perkins-Hagele, 503-648-1416
Garbage and Recycling Advisory Committee – 2 positions available now
Description: A coordinated countywide program intended to ensure the safe, economical and efficient collection, storage, transportation and disposal of garbage and recycling, and to ensure adequate standards of service for the garbage and recycling system. To assist the Board in achieving these objectives, the Board has appointed this advisory committee to make recommendations on garbage and recycling decisions and programs that impact all users of the garbage and recycling system.
Member Description: Ten members including: eight members representing the public, one member representing the garbage and recycling industry, and one representative of the County's Department of Health and Human Services (a non-voting committee member).
Term: 4 Years
Time Commitment: 2 to 3 hours per month
Meetings: Second Thursday, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m.
Contact: Kathy Folsom, 503-726-6035
Homeless Solutions Advisory Council – 4 positions available now
Description: The Homeless Solutions Advisory Council (was temporarily named Homeless Advisory Board) will advise the Board of County Commissioners and staff in the Homeless Services Division of the Department of Housing Services and oversee the implementation of the homeless services system of care across Washington County. HAB members will engage with Washington County’s homelessness response plans and promote the visions of these plans, while encouraging collaborative partnerships across a wide array of service systems. The body will also serve as the as the Continuum of Care (COC) Board and provide oversight of budgeting and program investments for all funding for homeless services including the voter approved Supportive Housing Services, the Governor’s Executive Orders initiative on homelessness, and other state, federal and local resources. This high-level oversite of programs and services provided to Washington County residents will help ensure that homelessness in Washington County is rare, brief, and non-recurring. (Note: This new advisory body will replace the previous CoC Board and Homeless Planning Advisory Body which have provided overlapping advisory roles in support of the homeless services system, which will conclude their service in January 2024, and November 2023 respectively.)
Member Description: The membership of this body will be comprised of 9-15 community-based stakeholders who are appointed by the Washington County Board of Commissioners to serve as a volunteer public official. Members will represent the diversity of Washington County in geographic, income, cultural, racial, and personal experience. Members will show a commitment and understanding of the complex issues of housing instability and homelessness and an appreciation of cultural differences and the impact of the crisis of homelessness on members of our community. Membership expertise shall include, but not limited to expertise in:
- Homeless Services Provision
- Workforce Development Experts
- Criminal Justice Experts
- Behavioral Health and Healthcare System Experts
- Education System Experts
- Civil Rights
- Justice Advocates
The Homeless Solutions Advisory Council will also approve and appoint various subcommittee bodies as needed to provide the technical and community engagement guidance in support of their oversight role. The council will work in collaborative partnership across a broad array of stakeholder groups and service systems to gather insights and understanding to inform their decisions and recommendations as an advisory body.
Term: 3 Years
Contact: Nadia Mohammad, 971-997-2916
Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) – 1 position available
Description: Providing affordable housing in Washington County is a formidable job. It is the mission of the HAC to advise the Housing Authority Board of Directors on housing goals policies, to review and recommend actions on the budgets of the Housing Authority, to advise regarding the community’s needs for low-income housing, and to recommend resources and programs available to address those needs.
Member Description: Fifteen members representing various groups, to include:
- Two (2) Members being assisted by the Housing Authority;
- One (1) Member involved in the Finance profession;
- One (1) Member representative of the Elderly;
- One (1) Member representative of Minority Groups;
- One (1) Member drawn from officials of Social Service organizations;
- One (1) Member drawn from either Design/Architectural/Engineer professions;
- One (1) Member drawn from Real Estate/Development/Construction;
- One (1) Member involved in Urban and Regional Planning;
- One (1) Member involved in Property Management;
- One (1) Member representing Veterans; and
- Four (4) Members at large.
Term: 4 Years
Time Commitment: 2 hours (minimum) each month
Meetings: Fourth Thursday at 9:00 a.m.
Contact: Bianetth Valdez, 971-464-1774
North Bethany County Service District for Roads Budget Committee – 1 position available now and 2 positions available after Jun 30, 2024
Description: Reviews the proposed budget developed for the North Bethany County Service District for Roads in unincorporated Washington County.
Member Description: The Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. The five residents must live in the North Bethany CSDR.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: Approximately one three-hour meeting in April and four three-hour meetings every May that total 12-16 hours; additional meetings may be added.
Meetings: One three-hour meeting the first week of April as budget committee orientation and one three-hour evening meeting the third week in May to receive the proposed budget; staff does an overview of the budget via a PowerPoint presentation. The start time is 5:30 p.m., presentations from Land Use & Transportation are given. The second meeting is a public hearing on a Thursday evening one week after the first meetings. This public hearing is an afternoon-evening meeting and there is a time certain at 7:00 p.m. when the public can testify. Upon completion of the staff presentations and any public testimony, the Budget Committee is asked to consider approving the proposed budget. There are some years when additional meeting(s) with the Budget Committee take place prior to the May meetings. These meetings are publicly noticed.
Contact: Greg Munn, 503-846-8756
Northwest Area Commission on Transportation (NWACT) – 2 positions available now
Description: NWACT is an advisory body chartered by the Oregon Transportation Commission. NWACT addresses all aspects of transportation (surface, marine, air, and transportation safety) with primary focus on the state transportation system. NWACT considers regional and local transportation issues in northwest Oregon that affect the state system. NWACT plays a key advisory role in the development of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which schedules funded transportation projects. NWACT establishes a public process for area project selection priorities for the STIP. Through that process, they prioritize transportation problems and solutions and recommend projects in their area to be included in the STIP. Boundaries include: the entirety of Columbia, Clatsop and Tillamook counties and most of Washington County west of Highway 47. The NWACT area includes the city of Banks but does not include the cities of Forest Grove or Gaston. It also extends east along Highway 26 and includes the Highway 26/Dersham Road interchange.
Member Description: Two Citizen-At-Large representing western Washington County (including Banks), selected by the county’s commissioners. Members are non-elected citizens selected from private interests including but not limited to freight, trucking, bicycle, pedestrian, public transportation system, public interest advocacy groups, environmental, land use, local citizens, business, education, minority organizations, public safety providers, non-profit organizations, etc.
Term: 2 years
Time Commitment: 3 to 5 hours every other month
Meetings: Second Thursday, 1:00 pm—3:30 pm, every other month
Contact: Jessica Pelz, 503-846-3960
Planning Commission – 1 position available now
Description: The nine member Washington County Planning Commission advises the Board of County Commissioners on the adoption, revision or repeal of portions of the County's Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission also makes final land use decisions for some plan amendments. Decisions may be appealed to the Board.
Member Description: Planning Commission members must reside in Washington County. Generally, two members are appointed by each Board Commissioner, and one by the Board Chair as an at-large appointment. No more than two members can be engaged principally in the buying, selling or development of real estate. No more than two members can be engaged in the same occupation. Some knowledge of the Oregon land use planning system is helpful.
Term: 4 years
Meetings: First Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. and third Wednesday at 6:30 p.m. Planning Commission meetings are hybrid (in-person and virtual via Zoom).
Contact: Todd Borkowitz, 503-846-3593
Property Value Appeal Board – 1 position available now and 5 positions available after Jun 30, 2024
Description: As a member of the Board of Property Tax Appeals you will weigh evidence provided by taxpayers and the County Assessor to determine a property’s value. The role of the board is key to maintaining a fair and equitable property tax system. Hearings take place in a public meeting setting.
Member Description: You must be a resident of Washington County who doesn’t work for the county or any other taxing district within the county (schools, cities, fire departments, Metro, etc.). You should have knowledge of real estate, appraisal, and/or Oregon property tax laws, though you don’t have to be an expert. Training will be provided. Membership on the board is an important position that involves some technical knowledge but also critical thinking skills, patience, and understanding. We are eager and committed to appointing individuals with a variety of multi-cultural experiences that reflect the many and diverse communities of Washington County.
Term: 2 years
Meetings: TBD
Contact: Adrian Strom, 503-846-3914
Rural Roads Operations and Maintenance Advisory Committee (RROMAC) – 1 position available now
Description: RROMAC studies rural road operations and maintenance concerns in Washington County, works with County staff to develop program and funding alternatives and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.
Member Description: Nine members who reside or have business interests in the county, all of whom serve as regular members and are appointed by the Board of Commissioners. In addition, there are two ex-officio members: one Commissioner appointed by the Board of Commissioners, and the LUT Operations Division Manager. Members represent different groups with an interest in rural roads.
Term: 4 years
Time Commitment: Two hours per month
Meetings: Fourth Thursday, 7:30 a.m.
Contact: Sherri Grey, 503-846-7615
Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC) – 2 positions available now
Description: URMDAC advises the Board and staff on matters related to road maintenance provided by the Urban Road Maintenance District (URMD). URMDAC reviews and makes recommendations regarding URMD's level of service and annual work program, assists in evaluating the cost effectiveness and efficiency of URMD, assists in informing URMD activities and advises on continuation of URMD and/or other long-range funding opportunities for road maintenance.
Member Description: URMDAC is comprised of nine (9) residents of the Urban Road Maintenance District, all of whom serve as regular members and are appointed by the Board. In addition, there are two ex-officio members: one Commissioner appointed by the Board of Commissioners, and the LUT Operations Division Manager. Members represent different groups with an interest in roads within the Urban Road Maintenance District.
Term: 4 years
Time Commitment: Two hours per month
Meetings: Third Wednesday, 3:45 p.m.
Contact: Sherri Grey, 503-846-7615
Washington County and SDL No.1 Budget Committee – 3 positions available now
Description: Reviews the proposed County budget submitted by the budget officer each fiscal year.
Member Description: Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: Approximately one two-hour meeting in April and two to three three-hour meetings in May that total 8-11 hours; additional meetings may be added.
Meetings: One two-hour evening meeting in mid-April as budget committee orientation, a two-hour evening meeting in mid-May to receive the proposed budget, and 2 two-hour evening meetings in late May to deliberate and approve the budget. There are some years when additional meeting(s) with the Budget Committee take place prior to the May meetings. These meetings are publicly noticed.
Contact: Greg Munn, 503-846-8756
Boards, committees and commissions advise the Board of Commissioners on matters of interest to people who live and work in Washington County. Committees themselves do not pass ordinances to establish policy; their purpose is to study issues and make recommendations. Commission members are volunteers appointed by the County Board of Commissioners. In many cases, members must be residents of Washington County. Serving on an appointed board or commission is a great way for Washington County residents to participate in decisions that affect them and to learn more about how local government works.
For more information please contact: Office of Equity, Inclusion and Community Engagement, 503-846-6288 or [email protected]