Volunteering gets in your blood! It is something you do, a part of what you are as an individual, as someone who cares about others, and someone who wants to make a difference in our community and world.
It is making yourself available. It’s an attitude – a part of your being. I’m glad I’m a volunteer. This time, “think city.”
I found a number of additional ways for us to provide volunteers to the city! Imagine that.
An important part of the city government’s policy-making process is its various boards and commissions, which advise the council on vital public policy matters.
Recruitments start generally in February or as needed. Positions on all boards and commissions are non-salaried.
Check these out:
• The Civil Service Commission oversees the hiring and disciplining of city police and fire personnel. Contact Rod Lank at (425) 587 3218.
• The Cultural Arts Commission advises the council on public art acquisitions and, in consultation with the city manager, promotes strategic planning and development for arts, culture, and heritage in the community.
• The Design Review Board reviews and makes decisions upon proposed development projects for compliance with City of Kirkland design guidelines and regulations and may also advise the council and Planning Commission on city design policies and regulations. Contact Jeremy McMahan at (425) 587-3229.
• The Houghton Community Council is constituted differently and has a slightly different mission than city advisory boards and commissions.
This body exercises both advisory and approval authority over most matters related to zoning regulations and land use within the Houghton area.
No other board or commission in the city exercises jurisdictional authority. Contact Nancy Cox at (425) 587-3228.
• The Human Services Advisory Committee reviews funding requests from human services providers, and prepares recommendations to the council regarding funding of the city’s Human Services Program.
Contact Sharon Anderson, Human Services coordinator, at (425) 587-3322.
• The Library Board acts as a liaison between the city and the King County Library System, actively promoting the use of the library, encouraging intellectual freedom and promoting special programming. For additional information, visit the King County Library System.
• The Tourism Development Committee advises the council on allocating the lodging excise tax fund for tourism promotion. Contact Ellen Miller-Wolfe at (425) 587-3014.
• The Park Board advises the council on development, acquisitions, and operation of Kirkland’s parks and recreational facilities.
Contact Michael Cogle at (425) 587-3310.
• The Parking Advisory Board provides an exchange of information both to and from citizens concerned about parking downtown and recommends new policy and policy changes to the council.
Contact Tami White at (425) 587-3871.
• The Planning Commission advises the council on all matters relating to the Kirkland Comprehensive Plan and land use regulations.
Contact Paul Stewart at (425) 587-3227.
• The Senior Council advises the council by studying, reviewing, evaluating and making recommendations regarding issues impacting citizens age 50 and older. Contact Sharon Anderson at (425) 587-3322.
• The Transportation Commission advises the council regarding planning and development of those transportation issues referred to them by the council, also submitting to the council, through the city manager, recommendations for such other transportation issues of interest to the Commission.
Contact Dave Godfrey at (425) 587-3865.
Remember – send in suggested volunteer opportunities to the Kirkland Reporter, attn: Bill LaMarche.
Bill LaMarche is a 36-year Kirkland resident, retired, and active community, national and international volunteer. Bill’s prior career focused on coaching and mentoring profit and nonprofit executives and company/organizational participants in professional development, leadership, organizational alignment and performance management, including planning for volunteer service as part of existing company/organizational culture. Bill can be reached through the Kirkland Reporter at letters@kirklandreporter.com.
