Boards and Commissions Application Process
Applicant Requirements
Candidates must be current residents of the State of Washington, and
have been so for at least three years; must presently live within
Bellingham City limits and have done so for at least two years; be a
U.S. Citizen and registered voter. Elected City officials, city
officers and employees, and citizens having conflicts of interest are
ineligible for appointments to City advisory boards.
Application Process
- Applicants who meet the above requirements should submit an
application form (PDF). You may submit applications for specific
groups whether or not there are current vacancies. You may submit
applications for multiple advisory groups of interest to you.
- Applications are retained in the Mayor's Office pending an opening on
the Board or Commission. This file is consulted each time an opening
occurs.
- You may be contacted by telephone for further information or to
confirm your continued willingness to serve. Personal interviews
sometimes are arranged.
- When an appointment decision is made, those who have been contacted
will be informed of the decision. The appointment goes to the City
Council for approval, when required, or simply for Council’s
information.
- A letter of appointment from the Mayor's Office will follow,
indicating the term of appointment. The department responsible for
staffing the board or commission will contact the appointee for
orientation and notice of the first meeting.
In most cases, members fulfilling their responsibilities are eligible
for reappointment to an additional term. In order to provide continuity
and maintain a knowledgeable membership, reappointments typically occur.
