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Boards and Commissions Vacancies Fall 2024

The Board of County Commissioners is seeking committed volunteers with diverse backgrounds to advise them on critical community issues.
News article

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. Their purpose is to study issues and make recommendations to the Board as they consider various policy decisions.

Advisory Council on Racial Equity (ACRE) – 3 positions 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 – 10 positions available now

Description: Assist Disability, Aging and Veteran Services in planning for future services and in ensuring current programs serve individuals with the greatest social and economic need. The 19 volunteers (13 regular and 6 alternate members) will have community ties and personal or professional familiarity with issues facing older adults, caregivers and veterans which make them an invaluable resource for Washington County. The Council advises Disability, Aging and Veteran Services on policy, programs, and actions affecting individuals with the greatest social and economic need and generally serves as an advocate for older adults and veteran
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 11:00 am
Contact: Sandra Castaneda, 503-846-3093

Audit Committee – 3 positions available now

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 or Ethel Gallares, 503-846-8004

Civil Service Commission – 1 position available after Jan 31, 2025

Description: The Civil Service Commission is comprised of five volunteers, one from each of the Commissioner districts, who provide a third-party review of the County's employment practices. The Civil Service Commission is the appeal board for Washington County employees and candidates for employment. Employees and candidates for employment may appeal to the Civil Service Commission adverse personnel management decisions such as appointments, disciplinary actions and classification allocations. The Commission hears and decides appeals by employees and candidates for employment.
Member Description: Five members who are registered voters within the county. No member of the Commission shall be a member of the governing body or an employee of the County or Clean Water Services except that any Commissioner may serve as a member of any other civil service commission.
Term: 2 years
Time Commitment: Quarterly meetings, others as necessary
Meetings: TBD
Contact: Mia Richards, Brian Light, 503-846-8324

Columbia Pacific Economic Development District (Col-Pac) – 1 position 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: Adrienne Chaille, 503-407-3182

Developmental Disabilities Council – 1 position available now and 7 positions available after Feb 28, 2025

Description: The Council 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 fifteen 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: 2-3 hours per month
Meetings: First Wednesday, 10:00 am
Contact: Kirsten Oster, 503-846-3124

Enhanced Sheriff Patrol District/Urban Road Maintenance District Budget Committee (ESPD/URMD) – 2 positions available now

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 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

Fair Board – 2 positions available after Dec 31, 2024

Description: The Fair Board’s primary function is to oversee the planning, preparation and production of the County Fair. The Fair Board will develop both short- and long-term plans for the promotion and production of the County Fair and provide input to the County’s Facilities Maintenance Plan of the Fairgrounds.
Member Description: The Fair Board is comprised of seven members that are selected from a variety of interests determined by the Board of Commissioners, including, but not limited to: Agriculture, Livestock, Youth/Education, Exhibitors/Vendors, Urban Agriculture. In lieu of a citizen representative, one member may be from the Board of Commissioners.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 2 to 3 hours per month
Meetings: First Wednesday of every other month, 4:30 pm to 6:00 pm
Contact: Leah Perkins-Hagele, 503-648-1416

Fairgrounds Development Advisory Committee – 2 positions available now and 3 positions available after Dec 31, 2024

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 – 1 position 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 – 5 positions available now

Description: The Homeless Solutions Advisory Council provides guidance on the county’s homeless services system of care, encouraging collaborative partnerships across a wide array of systems to build a Washington County where the experience of homelessness is rare, brief, and one-time. The body serves as the as the Continuum of Care (COC) Board and provides oversight of budgeting and program investments for all funding for homeless services including the voter approved Supportive Housing Services, and other state, federal and local resources.

The Homeless Solutions Advisory Council is made up of 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.

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

Term: 3 Years
Contact: Nadia Mohammad, [email protected]

Housing Advisory Committee (HAC) – 2 position available now

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

Metzger Park Local Improvement District Advisory Board – 2 positions available now

Description: Maintains a proud tradition of overseeing the only park in the County supported through a Local Improvement District. The Board plans and helps with park maintenance needs, deals with the administrative issues involved in running an active urban park.
Member Description: Nine members (seven regular and two alternates) who own property within the Metzger Park Local Improvement District.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: 1-2 hours per month, 4 times per year
Meetings: Fourth Monday at 7:00 p.m.
Contact: Carl Switzer, 503-846-7001

North Bethany County Service District for Roads Budget Committee – 2 positions available now

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 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 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

Planning Commission – 1 position available after Jan 31, 2025

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
Time Commitment: Meetings typically run two to three hours. Planning Commission members are expected to dedicate about five to ten hours per month outside of meetings to read and understand proposed ordinances and other materials provided by staff.
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, Planning Commission Liaison, 503-846-3593

Public Health Advisory Council – 4 positions available now and 3 positions available after Jan 31, 2025

Description: The Washington County Public Health Advisory Council (PHAC) has been appointed by the Washington County Board of Commissioners to fulfill any federal and state-mandated responsibilities and to advise the Board of Commissioners in its role as the Board of Health for Washington County. The Washington County Public Health Advisory Council will make recommendations to the Board of Commissioners and the Public Health Division Manager to improve the health and well-being of everyone in Washington County.
Member Description: The Council shall consist of a minimum of 15 and a maximum of 17 members representing many dimensions of the community and one non-appointed, non-voting position from the Washington County Board of Commissioners. The Public Health Advisory Council membership will seek to represent the whole community; members of communities that experience health and social inequities will be given preference for membership on the Council.
Term: 4 years
Time Commitment: 2 hours monthly
Meetings: At least 10 times annually; on the second Tuesday of each month from 5:30-7:30
Contact: Alex Coleman, 503-846-4921

Public Safety Coordinating Council (PSCC) – 3 positions available after Dec 31, 2024

Description: The Public Safety Coordinating Council is a statutorily mandated committee convened by the Washington County Board of Commissioners for the purpose of developing and recommending plans for the use of state resources respective to the coordination of local criminal justice and juvenile justice policy. Collaborative planning provides a countywide approach to enhancing communication and partnership among law enforcement, public safety, criminal justice agencies and the residents of the Washington County community. The developed plans include strategies to address prevention, treatment, education, employment resources and intervention services. The Public Safety Coordinating Council supports an overarching coordinated approach to public safety by reviewing emerging and best practices in policy development, restorative justice, racial and ethnic disparities in the system and community collaboration programs that maximize resources and minimize duplication. The plans supported by the Public Safety Coordinating Council are referred to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval.
Member Description: The Public Safety Coordinating Council is made up of 15 members required by statute, two of which are non-voting members. Three of the 15 positions are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Additional positions include the County Administrator and a member of the Bar Association, appointed by the presiding judge; and four additional lay community members preferably representatives from agencies that provide culturally specific services and/or members of communities of color, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Please see Membership Matrix for members and their represented positions.
Term: 2 years
Time Commitment: 4 hours or less per month; slightly more when involved with subcommittees
Meetings: The Public Safety Coordinating Council meets six times per year; bimonthly beginning in January on the third Friday of the month from 1:00-3:00 PM. Meetings will be a Hybrid moving forward. Physical location will be the Sheriff's Office, 215 SW Adams Ave., Hillsboro in Training Rooms A&B located on the second floor.
Contact: Erin Calvert, 503-846-8685

Rainbow Lane Special Road District Board – 1 position available after Dec 31, 2024

Description: The Rainbow Lane Special Road District was formed to provide a representing body that could make decisions regarding road maintenance issues on Rainbow Lane and Patricia Lane. These two roads are public roads, as opposed to County Roads, and are not eligible for gas tax and road fund expenditures, consequently their road maintenance must be funded by the adjoining and benefiting properties.
Member Description: Three members who are residents of the Rainbow Lane Special Road District.
Term: 3 years
Time Commitment: TBD
Meetings: TBD
Contact: Sherri Grey, 503-846-7615

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 of the month from 7:30 - 9:30 a.m., generally every other month.
Contact: Sherri Grey, 503-846-7615

Urban Road Maintenance District Advisory Committee (URMDAC) – 2 positions available now and 1 position available after Sep 30, 2024

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: First Wednesday of the month, 3:45 - 5:45 p.m., generally every other month.
Contact: Sherri Grey, 503-846-7615

Washington County and SDL No.1 Budget Committee – 2 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, a two-hour meeting in May and up to three full day meetings in May that total up to 24-28 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 up to three full day 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

Washington County Salary Commission – 6 positions available after Dec 31, 2024

Description: In November of 2020 Washington County voters approved a change to the County Charter, establishing an independent salary commission. The voluntary Washington County Salary Commission will consist of five human resource professionals and one alternate who will determine of salaries for Washington County Board of Commissioners.
Member Description: Human resource professionals with management level compensation experience, join us for a unique opportunity to help establish Washington County’s first Salary Commission. This is a voluntary position but there may be an opportunity for continuing education credits through the Society for Human Resource Management.

The Salary Commission members will be selected through an independent process that values cultural, geographic and sector diversity. A facilitator will be provided to assist the new Salary Commission but is not a voting member; decisions of the Salary Commission are independent of the Board of County Commissioners and County Administrator. Salary Commission members will determine the methodology to be used and on the operations of the Salary Commission. The facilitator will provide background and examples of approaches and work with County Administration staff to provide information sought by the members.

Term: 2 Years
Time Commitment: Appointments are for two-year terms, but it is expected that once the Salary Commission reaches their conclusions (targeted date before the end of April) that the work by the Salary Commission is finished except for presentation to the public at a Board of County Commissioners meeting, normally accomplished by the Chair selected by the Salary Commission itself.
Meetings: Work of the Salary Commission is expected to start mid-January and will be conducted through virtual meetings on a schedule determined by the members. This may be weekly or biweekly for 2-3 hours at a time, tentatively through the end of April.
Contact:[email protected]

Per Board of Commissioners procedures, the County Administrative Office will solicit applications from individuals for a six-week period. Staff will keep the Commissioners apprised of applications received and of approaching deadlines.

The application deadline is October 29, 2024, or open until filled. Applications may be obtained by visiting the Boards and Commissions website.

Media Contact:
Office of Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement
503-846-6288