Apply For City of Spokane Boards and Commissions to Ensure Inclusive Representation

Erin Hut, Communications Director, 509.625.6740

Tuesday, March 5, 2024 at 11:25 a.m.

The City of Spokane is calling on its diverse and talented residents to apply for vacant positions on various boards and commissions.  

The City is committed to ensuring its boards and commissions reflect the rich tapestry of the greater Spokane community and include people with unique experiences and viewpoints. Unfortunately, many groups, neighborhoods, and cultural communities are currently underrepresented.  

  • Women account for 50.10% of Spokane’s population, but only make up 39.29% of appointees to City of Spokane boards and commissions. 
  • City Council District 1 makes up 27.69% of city voters, but only 14.15% of appointees to City of Spokane boards and commissions live in the district. 
  • City Council District 3 makes up 36.89% of city voters, but only 22.86% of appointees to City of Spokane boards and commissions live in the district.  
  • The Audubon/Downriver, Balboa/South Indian Trail, Bemiss, Minnehaha and Whitman neighborhoods do not currently have any neighbors serving on a City board or commission. 
  • Latinos make up 7.20% of Spokane’s population, but only 3.06% percent of appointees to City of Spokane boards and commissions. 

Serving on a board or commission provides opportunities to shape policies and influence important issues like public safety, transportation, and housing.  

“It is critically important that we have diverse voices at the table to ensure that decisions reflect the needs and interests of all members of our community. Serving in these open roles is an opportunity to work with others for positive change and make a lasting impact on the trajectory of our town,” Mayor Lisa Brown said.   

“Serving on a board or commission is not only an opportunity to give back to your community, it is opportunity to influence the issues that impact you. Your voice matters, and the City of Spokane is committed to making sure it is heard loud and clear,” said Council President Betsy Wilkerson.  

Mayor Brown is looking to remove barriers to participation on Spokane’s boards and commissions. She is looking at the possibility of reimbursing childcare costs incurred due to a member's attendance at a City meeting and how best to assist members who may need assistance with transportation and other costs associated with serving.   

A list of open positions and applications can be found here.