This list represents all vacancies through January 31, 2023

 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 1/25/2023)
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
5 Vacancies – 1 current member is eligible to reapply. Positions are for agricultural producers, agricultural processing industry, citizen consumer of agricultural products and citizen with expertise in agricultural programs. 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 and serve a three-year term. Executive-appointed.

BICYCLE PEDESTRIAN ADVISORY COMMITTEE
2 Vacancies.  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) ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy, 4-year term. Applicants must live within the subzone boundary.  Meets quarterly. The BBWARM Advisory Committee assists and makes recommendations to the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors regarding implementing the BBWARM District stormwater program. The committee will assist the residents of the area and the Board of Supervisors with the implementation of the Birch Bay Watershed and Aquatic Resource Management District. Appointed by the Council acting as the Flood Control Zone District Board of Supervisors

CONSERVATION EASEMENT PROGRAM (CEP) OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy – farmer position. 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 on a monthly basis, 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 a three-year term. Executive-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
4 Vacancies – 3 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
3 vacancies, two 4-year terms and one partial term ending 1/31/2025. 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. Council-appointed.

FLOOD CONTROL ZONE DISTRICT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

  • 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.

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

HORTICULTURE PEST AND DISEASE BOARD
1 Vacancy, 2-year term. Meets quarterly. The Board is created to enable Whatcom County to more effectively control and prevent the spread of horticultural pests and diseases. 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. 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.  Council-appointed

NORTHWEST SENIOR SERVICES BOARD
3 upcoming vacancies (as of 6/30/23). 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. 

OPEN SPACE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
5 Vacancies, 4-year terms. Meets annually. 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. Council-appointed.

PLANNING COMMISSION
1 Vacancy, 4-year term. Applicants must be a resident of County Council Districts 2 or 4. 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. Meets on the second and fourth Thursday of every month in the evenings. Council-appointed. 

PORTAGE BAY SHELLFISH PROTECTION DISTRIC
5 vacancies, 4-year terms. 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. Council-appointed.

The following is one of the boards that has openings… it is the only one The Fourth Corner can find where “Membership preference shall be given to tribal, racial, ethnic, and other minorities.”

PUBLIC HEALTH ADVISORY BOARD
3 Vacancies, 2-year terms. 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. Council-appointed.

SOLID WASTE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
1 Vacancy, 3-year term. Meets quarterly. Applicants must represent agriculture. No two representatives 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. Council-appointed.

SUMAS/EVERSON/NOOKSACK FLOOD CONTROL SUBZONE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
4 Vacancies, three 4-year terms and one partial term ending 1/31/2025. Meets periodically as needed. 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
9 Vacancies, four 4-year terms and five 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; material user; geologist; member of the surface mining industry; representative of agriculture; representative of forestry; representative of ground water as a potable, domestic supply, specifically a public water system or private well owner; ecologist, or; environmental consultant. The committee provides ongoing public input and advice to Whatcom County on solid waste management issues. Council-appointed

WILDLIFE ADVISORY COMMITTEE
8 Vacancies, 4-year terms, 4 of the 8 vacant positions require 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. Council-appointed.