Current Vacancies

BOARDS, COMMITTEES AND COMMISSIONS VACANCIES

 
This list represents all vacancies through January 31, 2024
 
APPLICATIONS DUE 10:00 A.M., JANUARY 2, 2024, 
unless otherwise noted.

All appointees must live in and be registered to vote in Whatcom County and, if applicable, meet the residency, employment, and/or affiliation requirements of the position.  Appointments are without compensation unless otherwise noted.  Applications can be completed online, or one can be mailed to you from the Council Office or Executive's Office.

If you have questions, please contact the County Council office at 360-778-5010 or the County Executive's office at 360-778-5200.

(last updated 12/6/2023)
County Council & County Executive Expectations for Boards and Commissions
Open Government Training
Please see how to apply

Vacancies appointed by Council and Council acting as Board of Health or Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors
Appointments made by the County Council
Apply online, or
Mail Applications to:
County Council Office
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Ste 105
Bellingham, WA 98225
For more information: 360-778-5010
Executive-appointed vacancies
Appointments made by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council 
             
Apply online, or
Mail Applications to:
Executive's Office
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Ste 108
Bellingham, WA 98225
For more information: 360-778-5200
ACME/VANZANDT FLOOD CONTROL SUBZONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies, 4-year terms. Applicants must live within the subzone boundary. The Committee is an integral part of the program reviewing the Comprehensive Plan for flood control, discusses and recommends budget appropriation, and is a liaison with the public at meetings. The Committee has special meetings throughout the year as needed. Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors-appointed

AGRICULTURAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE 
6 Vacancies – 1 current member is eligible to reapply. Positions are for agricultural producers, agricultural processing industry, and representative from Whatcom Family Farmers. This committee assists in the implementation of numerous policies and tasks relating to protecting and enhancing the long-term viability of agriculture.  The thirteen members of the AAC meet monthly from October through April and serve a four-year term. Executive-appointed

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA) COMPLIANCE COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies – The committee meets periodically to provide guidance to the County regarding making its facilities and programs accessible to those with disabilities. The committee also reviews the ADA coordinator’s complaint resolution decisions and makes necessary recommendations for improvements to accessibility. Members meet quarterly; three-year term. Executive-appointed

BICYCLE-PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
3 Vacancies – 1 current member is eligible to reapply. The committee assists the county in the planning, funding, development and implementation of facilities and programs that will result in the increased safety and use of bicycle and pedestrian travel as a significant and beneficial mode of transportation and recreation. Members meet monthly and serve a four-year term. Executive-appointed

BIRCH BAY WATERSHED AND AQUATIC RESOURCES MANAGEMENT (BBWARM) DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies, must reside in the subzone or represent an employer rate-payer with a site within the subzone. Four-year terms, one current member eligible to reapply. The BBWARM Advisory Committee makes recommendations to the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors regarding implementation of the BBWARM District stormwater programs. The Advisory Committee represents the Birch Bay community to ensure its interests are represented in BBWARM activities. The committee is involved in setting strategic goals and work plans, prioritizing capital improvement projects, and recommending budgets for the BBWARM stormwater program. Appointed by the Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors

BOUNDARY REVIEW BOARD
2 Vacancies – The Board receives Notice of Intention, statement from city and special purpose districts for proposed changes to corporate boundaries or intent to extend services outside existing boundaries. The Board then notifies all affected governmental agencies and collects subsequent comments for possible review. Members meet bi-annually and serve a four-year term. Executive-appointed

BOARD OF EQUALIZATION
1 Vacancy, 3-year term, current member is eligible to reapply. Must reside in County Council District 4. The Board ensures that all properties are valued at 100% of market value. The Board may equalize property values by either lowering or raising land/building assessments. The Board generally meets on Wednesdays and Thursdays, with occasional Tuesday meetings as the caseload requires. Members receive $150 per diem for attending hearings. County Council appointed 

BUSINESS AND COMMERCE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies

  • 1 Vacancy, 4-year term ending 1/31/2027. Applicants must represent the childcare industry.
  • 1 Vacancy for non-voting member, 4-year term ending 1/31/2027.  Applicants must represent K-12 public education.

Meets monthly. The committee advises the County Council on issues that include regulations and policies that could impact local businesses, industry, or economic development. Duties include: Review, develop, and provide recommendations on: comprehensive plans, regulations, economic development efforts and on proposals which directly impact business and economic conditions in Whatcom County; efforts to improve business conditions, environment and infrastructure; ensuring the county applies a client-focused approach to supporting businesses with regulations, permitting, and planning. County Council-appointed

CHILD AND FAMILY WELL-BEING TASK FORCE
4 Vacancies. Partial terms ending 1/31/2025 and 1/31/2027. Applicants must represent at least one of the following experiences: community members from under-represented communities; community action agency, non-profit housing organization or social service agency; faith community; private school, home school, higher education or child care provider; medical and behavioral health care provider serving young children and families; community members with experience caring for children such as parent, foster parent, grandparent, or guardian; private business, corporation, or philanthropic organization. The Task Force will continually review Whatcom governmental impacts on children and families, and make specific recommendations for improvements for all departments. The Task Force will consider input from diverse families throughout Whatcom County and evidence-based and promising practices and report on and make recommendations to County Council, Executive, and other appropriate officials regarding implementation of recommendations in the Whatcom Working Toward Well-being: An Action Plan for County Government (Action Plan) as adopted on February 4, 2020. County Council-appointed

CLIMATE IMPACT ADVISORY COMMITTEE
6 vacancies: 3-year terms. Three current members eligible to reapply. Meets monthly. Prefer previous work or educational experience in subjects including climate change, renewable energy development, energy conservation, energy sector, waste reduction and recycling, farming, food security, land use planning, municipal government and flood mitigation and planning. The Whatcom County Climate Impact Advisory Committee (CIAC) provides review and recommendations to the Whatcom County Council and Executive on issues related to the preparation and adaptation for, and the prevention and mitigation of, impacts of climate change. The key focus of the committee is building climate resilience in Whatcom County through mitigation of greenhouse gases and adaptation to a changing climate. County Council-appointed

CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM (CEP) OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
3 Vacancies – Positions are for farming and real estate experience. This committee provides oversight and evaluation of the Conservation Easement Program for Whatcom County. The program enhances the protection of the County's farmland, forestland, and ecological areas, enhances the long-term viability of agricultural and forestry enterprises within the County and provides public benefit by retaining properties in permanent resource use. Members meet monthly, as needed and serve a four-year term. Executive-appointed

COUNTY APPEALS BOARD
1 Vacancy – applicant must be a member of one of the construction trades (building, structural, architectural, plumbing, engineering, or mechanical). This Board receives and rules on appeals of orders, decisions or determinations made by the building official and/or fire marshal relative to the application and interpretation of the building construction and maintenance codes as adopted by the county, with responsibility to publish all findings. Board members meet on an as-needed basis and serve three-year terms. Executive-appointed.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE TREATMENT ACCOUNT PANEL 
1 vacancy for a substance use disorder treatment agency representative, term ends 1/31/2028. Meets once per year in January. The CJTA Panel purpose is to reduce sentencing guidelines and create alternatives to treat nonviolent offenders with substance use disorders (SUD). Key provisions of this law included the establishment of the Criminal Justice Treatment Account (CJTA) which is funded via savings by the Department of Corrections for reducing sentences; allocation of funding to counties for treatment and support services for offenders with SUD, and; development of a local criminal justice panel to submit a plan for the disposition of funds. County Council-appointed

DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS TECHNICAL ADVISORY COMMITTEE (TAC)
2 Vacancies – Applicants must have professional expertise that relates to development standards. The TAC (1) reviews and recommends, for County Executive consideration, all proposed new, and proposed revisions to, Whatcom County Development Standards, and (2) hears and recommends, for subsequent County Executive consideration, appeals to Technical Administrator Final Decisions. The TAC operates to ensure compliance with land use regulations and comprehensive plans. Seven members meet on an as-needed basis and serve a maximum of two 2-year terms. Executive-appointed

DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES BOARD
9 Vacancies – 4 current members eligible to reapply. Members shall include representatives of public, private, or voluntary agencies, representatives of local governmental units and citizens knowledgeable about developmental disabilities. The Board shall serve in an advisory capacity to the Whatcom County Health Department; it provides recommendations related to services for individuals with developmental disabilities. Board members meet 4th Monday on alternating months and serve three-year terms. Executive-appointed

DRAYTON HARBOR SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT
4 vacancies, two 4-year terms, one partial term ending 1/31/2025, and one partial term ending 1/31/2027. Current member eligible to reapply. Meets quarterly. Members must have a direct interest in the shellfish protection district. Duties are to advise the County Council on the proposed actions and operations relating to the restoration of water quality in the Drayton Harbor Shellfish Protection District. County Council-appointed

FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

  • 3 Vacancies for geographic area representative. Four-year terms
  • 2 Vacancies for Impacted Cities representative. One-year terms
  • 2 Vacancies for Special District representative. One-year terms
  • Any person interested in serving on the advisory committee may be appointed as an alternate for a term of six years. Alternate members shall be notified of each meeting and are encouraged to attend.

All current members are eligible to reapply. Meets the second Thursday of the month or as needed. Committee assists and makes recommendations to the Board of Supervisors in performing flood damage repairs, maintenance and improvements, and minimizing future flood damage through prevention and management on the Nooksack River, its watershed, and the other watersheds within Whatcom County.  Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors-appointed

FOOD SYSTEM COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy – Position is for a food access representative. The county adopted a countywide food system plan to strengthen our local food system. The committee is tasked with implementing, providing oversight for, and regularly updating it. Nine members meet monthly and serve a four-year term. Executive-appointed

HORTICULTURE PEST AND DISEASE BOARD
1 Vacancy. 2-year term. The Board is created to enable Whatcom County to more effectively control and prevent the spread of horticultural pests and diseases. One member shall have at least a practical knowledge of horticultural pests and diseases and the other members shall be residents of the county, shall own land within the county and shall be engaged in the primary and commercial production of a horticultural product or products, one of whom shall be engaged in the production of certified organic produce, if available. Such appointed members shall serve a term of two years. The Board shall have the following powers and duties. 1. Receive complaints, 2. Inspect 3. Enforce 4. Employ persons and purchase goods and equipment as necessary, 5. Educate the public, and 6. Administrate. Meeting schedule is to be determined. County Council-appointed 

(WHATCOM COUNTY) HOUSING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies – 2 current members are eligible to reapply. Positions are for urban housing representative and human services provider. This advisory group is responsible for reviewing and evaluating proposed uses of SHB 2060, 1406, and 1590 funds, and charged with making recommendations to the County Council. The funding directly assists people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Meets every other month; serve a three-year term. Executive-appointed

HOUSING AUTHORITY OF WHATCOM COUNTY
1 Vacancy – (as of 4/18/24 - appointments by County Executive and Bellingham Mayor) The Board serves to provide quality, affordable housing for low- and moderate-income families, elderly households, and persons with disabilities through innovative resource development and responsible stewardship of our housing and fiscal resources. The five members meet monthly and serve five-year terms. Executive-appointed 

INCARCERATION PREVENTION AND REDUCTION TASK FORCE

  • 2 Vacancies for Health & Social Services Provider
  • 1 Vacancy for a consumer of services or family member of consumer
  • 1 Vacancy for an interested citizen, current member eligible to reapply

All positions are 4-year terms. The Task Force reviews Whatcom County’s criminal justice and behavioral health programs and makes specific recommendations to safely and effectively reduce incarceration of individuals struggling with mental illness and chemical dependency; minimize jail use by pretrial defendants who can safely be released; and identify, examine, and recommend implementing programs and policies that focus on intervention and prevention strategies that are pursuant to incarceration. Meets monthly; subcommittees meet monthly. County Council-appointed

   

LYNDEN/EVERSON FLOOD CONTROL SUBZONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy, 4-year term, current member eligible to reapply. Applicants must live within the subzone boundary. The committees review the Comprehensive Plan for flood control, discuss and recommend budget appropriation, and liaison with the public at meetings. The committees have special meetings throughout the year as needed. Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors-appointed 

MARINE RESOURCES COMMITTEE 
8 Vacancies – 4 current members eligible to reapply. Applicant positions include economic interest, relevant scientific expertise, recreational interest, citizen at large, Nooksack Tribe representative, Lummi Tribe representative, and city of Blaine elected official. The Committee, guided by sound science and the needs of the Northwest Strait marine ecosystem, and consideration for the citizens of Whatcom County, will address local marine issues and recommend remedial action to local authorities. The committee will build awareness of issues, and gather support for remedies. Members meet monthly on the first Thursday and serve four-year terms. Executive-appointed 

NORTHWEST SENIOR SERVICES BOARD
5 upcoming vacancies (as of 6/30/24). Majority of board should include senior citizens representatives of local government, minority groups, and citizen, professional, and community organizations.  The board serves as advisors to the Area Agency on Aging in order to develop and enhance a comprehensive service delivery system which meets the physical, social, and psychological needs of older people. Three-year term. Executive-appointed 

NOXIOUS WEED CONTROL BOARD  - ALL APPLICATIONS For this Board Should be sent to the Whatcom County Noxious Weed Board, 322 N. Commercial Street, Suite 110, Bellingham, Washington 98225.  APPLICATIONS DUE DECEMBER 15, 2023 
1 Vacancy, 4-year term. Must reside in Noxious Weed District 3 and have ten signatures from registered voters in that district. District No. 3 - North Boundary is Henry, Alder Grove, and Hemmi Rds., South Boundary follows Slater and Bakerview Rds., East and West Boundaries are the same as for Whatcom County. To view map of Noxious Weed Board districts visit our website here. The Board promotes education concerning management of listed noxious weeds such as tansy ragwort, knapweed, purple loosestrife, knotweed and their impacts on natural resources. Members generally meet every other month. Please call the Weed Board Coordinator at 360-778-6234 for more information. County Council-appointed 

OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
4 Vacancies, 4-year terms. Applicants must represent the active farming community within the county. The Open Space Advisory Committee advises the County Assessor in implementing assessment guidelines as established by the State Department of Revenue, for the assessment of open space, farms and agricultural lands, and timber lands. Meets annually. Council-appointed.

PLANNING COMMISSION
1 Vacancy, current member eligible to reapply, 4-year term. Applicants must be a resident of County Council Districts 2. The Planning Commission shall assist the Planning & Development Services Department in carrying out its duties, including assistance in the preparation and execution the comprehensive plan and recommendations to the department for the adoption of official controls and/or amendments. The Commission shall conduct hearings as required under RCW 36.70, and shall make findings and conclusions that shall be transmitted to the Planning and Development Services Department and County Council. The Planning Commission meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month in the evenings. County Council-appointed

PORTAGE BAY SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRICT
6 vacancies, 4-year terms. One partial term ending 1/31/2025. Two positions reserved for Lummi Nation and Nooksack Tribe representatives. Meets quarterly. Members must have a direct interest in the shellfish protection district. Duties are to advise the County Council on the proposed actions and operations relating to the restoration of water quality in the Portage Bay Shellfish Protection District. County Council-appointed

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
5 Vacancies. 3-year terms. One partial term ending 1/31/2026. Three current members eligible to reapply. Meets monthly. The advisory board shall consist of a balance of persons with expertise, career experience, and consumer experience in areas impacting public health and with populations served by the health department, including healthcare access and quality; physical environment, including built and natural environments; social and economic sectors, including housing, basic needs, education, and employment; business and philanthropy; communities that experience health inequities; government, and; tribal communities and tribal government. The board’s composition shall include:

  • Members with expertise and experience in the areas listed above
  • Consumers of public health services
  • Community members with lived experience in the areas listed above
  • Community stakeholders, including nonprofit organizations, the business community, and those regulated by public health

Membership preference shall be given to tribal, racial, ethnic, and other minorities. County Council-appointed

SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
3 Vacancies, 3-year terms. Current members eligible to reapply. Meets quarterly. Applicants must represent Waste Recycling Industry, a public interest group, or agriculture. No two committee members can be from the same company or public interest group. The committee provides ongoing public input and advice to Whatcom County on solid waste management issues. County Council-appointed

SUMAS/EVERSON/NOOKSACK FLOOD CONTROL SUBZONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE  
1 Vacancy, 4-year term. Applicants must live within the subzone boundary. The Committee is an integral part of the program reviewing the Comprehensive Plan for flood control, discusses and recommends budget appropriation, and is a liaison with the public at meetings. The Committee has special meetings throughout the year as needed. Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors-appointed.  

SURFACE MINING ADVISORY COMMITTEE
6 Vacancies, two 4-year terms and four 2-year terms. Meets quarterly. No two representatives can be from the same company or public interest group. Applicant must meet one of the following requirements: Civil or geotechnical engineer with no direct or indirect financial business ties to the industry; geologist; representative of agriculture; representative of forestry; ecologist, or; environmental consultant. The committee provides ongoing public input and advice to Whatcom County on issues related to surface mining in Whatcom County. County Council-appointed

VETERAN’S ADVISORY BOARD
3 Vacancies – 2 current members eligible to reapply. Only veterans are eligible to serve as board members, and no fewer than a majority of the board members shall be members from nationally recognized veterans' service organizations. The Board was created to advise the County Executive and County Council on the needs of local indigent veterans, the resources available to local indigent veterans, and programs that could benefit the needs of local indigent veterans and their families. Meets monthly. Four-year term. Executive-appointed 

WILDLIFE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy, term ending 1/31/2027, applicants must have technical expertise in wildlife and habitat management or current or past professional experience such as, but not limited to, at least one of the following: wetlands manager, wildlife biologist, population conservation biologist, natural resources manager, watershed scientist, conservation ecological restoration specialist, forestry protection, or tribal representative. County Council-appointed