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Boards & Commissions
More than 550 volunteers are already serving on a Snohomish County board, commission, committee or task force. These volunteers are advising the Executive and the Snohomish County Council on policies and programs affecting the residents of Snohomish County.
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Boards and Commissions Current Openings
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ADA Citizen Advisory Committee
Find information about the ADA Pedestrian Facilities in the Public Right of Way Citizen Advisory Committee and their agendas and minutes.
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Agricultural Advisory Board
The Agricultural Advisory Board is an advisory body to the council, Planning Commission, Hearing Examiner, and county staff. The board’s continuing mandate is to support and reinforce the county’s agricultural preservation plan. The board is made up of 11 members who meet very specific criteria, who serve four-year terms and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Members are appointed by the council on recommendation of the county executive. Contact 425-388-3311 x2490 for more information.
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Airport Commission
The Snohomish County Airport Commission serves in an advisory role to the Snohomish County Executive. The commission provides advice to the executive on the following matters; review and recommend updates to the airport master plan, review and recommend changes to the airport capital improvement program and capital facilities plan, review and recommend an annual airport budget, provide a community perspective on airport operations, review and recommend strategies for airport noise reduction, and review appeals of enforcement procedures under SCC 15.08.651 and recommended outcomes. The commission is composed of 13 members consisting of one person from each council district, three persons from the airport tenant community, three persons from the business community, and two persons from the county at-large. Contact Christy Cheever at 425.388.5101 or by email at Christy.Cheever@snoco.org for more information.
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Arts Commission
The Snohomish County Arts commission was created by the Snohomish County Council in July 2004 to advocate for the arts as a part of Snohomish County’s culture, and recommend an annual arts program; recommend criteria for selection of any artist or artwork to be funded through the arts program; provide reports on recommended acquisitions of artwork; recommend the public site(s) for installation or performance of public art; advise on maintenance, conservation, etc.; make funding recommendations for specific works of art; seek private or public donations and grants for the arts program; provide an annual written report describing commission activities, and the arts program. Contact Annique Bennett at 425-740-4309 or visit the Snohomish County Arts Commission website for more information: https://www.snocoarts.org/
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Board of Equalization
The board is an independent body organized to hear appeals of various determinations made by the assessor. It is comprised of five citizen members appointed by the Snohomish County Council. The board’s goal is to provide an impartial hearing environment that protects each party’s due process rights and results in a fair decision.
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Board of Health
The Snohomish County Board of Health develops, approves, and revises countywide policy on public health issues such as opioids, immunizations, and climate change. The Board evaluates yearly budget recommendation, recommends new programs, and reviews Health Department activities. The Board meets monthly, and members will be assigned to subcommittees and various ad hoc task groups. The nine-member Board includes two County Council members, one elected official from a large or medium city, one elected official from a small city or town, one tribal representative nominated by the American Indian Health Commission, one healthcare facility representative, one healthcare provider, and two additional community members, at least one of whom uses health services in the county. To serve on the Board, the community members must be residents of Snohomish County.
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Boundary Review Board
The state Boundary Review Board for Snohomish County reviews and rules on proposed annexations and incorporations for cities and/or special purpose districts (water, sewer districts, etc.). The board consists of five citizen volunteers who are appointed by the governor (two appointments), local cities (one appointment), the county (one appointment), and local special purpose districts (one appointment).
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Central Ferry (Edmonds) Advisory Committee
Applicants should have an active interest in issues pertaining to ferry service; ferry commuters or people with businesses impacted by ferry terminal locations and schedules are especially valuable committee members. Each committee is made up of three persons who must be Snohomish County residents and who serve four-year terms. Not more than two members of any terminal-area committee may be from the same political party at the time of their appointment, and in a county having more than one committee, the overall party representation shall be as nearly equal as possible. Committee members are appointed by the council on recommendation of the executive. Contact 425-388-3879 for more information.
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Charter Review Commission
Washington State Constitution grants counties the option of adopting a Home Rule Charter for their own form of government. Snohomish County is one of seven charter counties in Washington State. The Snohomish County Charter was adopted in 1980 and amended in 1986, and every ten years after that. In the November, 2015 General Election, the voters of Snohomish County elected a fifteen member Charter Review Commission that is tasked with reviewing the Snohomish County Charter to determine its adequacy and suitability of the needs of the county. The Charter Review Commission members serve an unpaid one-year term beginning January 1, 2016, and will undertake the arduous task of proposing amendments to the county’s Home Rule Charter.
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Chemical Dependency & Mental Health Advisory Board
The Chemical Dependency and Mental Health Advisory Board (CDMH Board) was created by SCC 4.25.060 to serve in an advisory capacity regarding implementation and use of the tax imposed by SCC 4.25.010. The CDMH Board is made up of 13 members, including 2 members from the North Sound Behavioral Health Organization (NSBHO) Advisory Board (SCC 7.48.020), 2 members from the Alcohol & Other Drug (AOD) Advisory Board (SCC 2.80.010), 1 member from the Council on Aging (COA) (SCC 2.450.010), 1 member of the Children’s Commission (CC) (SCC 2.410.010), 1 member of the Veterans Assistance (VA) Fund Board (SCC 2.430.010), and 1 member to represent the County Jail, Superior Court, a Provider of Chemical Dependency or Mental Health Services, and Law Enforcement. Members serve three-year terms and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Board members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact (425) 388-7236 for more information.
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Children’s Commission
The board is made up of 25 members, at least two of whom are youth under the age of 18. Three members shall be appointed from each council district, with the remaining 10 at-large appointments from anywhere in the county. Commissioners serve four-year terms, except for youth commissioners, who serve one-year terms. Commissioners may not serve more than three consecutive terms. The county council may appoint an ex-officio member. SSC 2.410 created the Children's Commission, which shall serve as advisors on issues of health, safety and social services for infants, young children and youth in the community. The commission advises the executive and Human Services Department staff on matters related the administration and enhancement of children's programs. Contact (425) 388-7251 for more information.
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Civil Service Commission
The Civil Service Commission is made up of three persons who serve six-year terms. Commissioners must have been residents of Snohomish County for at least two years, may not be county employees or public officials, and no more than two can be from the same political party. RCW 41.14 created the Civil Service Commission “to establish a merit system of employment for county deputy sheriffs and other employees of the office of county sheriff, thereby raising the standards and efficiency of such offices and law enforcement in general.” Contact 425-388-3600 for more information.
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Climate Action Advisory Committee
Executive Somers is launching a new Climate Action Advisory Committee. The Ad Hoc Committee will provide recommendations that encourage the adoption of policies, programs, and practices in order to address climate change, protect public health, reduce greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), and preserve the natural environment in Snohomish County.
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Community Services Advisory Council
The Community Services Advisory Council (CSAC) was established by the county council in 1986 to advise the county “on all matters relating to the causes of poverty and to a reduction in the effects of poverty.” The council is made up of at least 12 but no more than 24 members, including at least two from each council district, and equal representation among the following groups: community / private sector, low-income representatives, and public elected officials. Members serve four-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive terms. Council members are appointed by the county council on recommendation of the executive. Contact (425) 262-2904 for more information
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Conservation Futures Program Advisory Board
The Conservation Futures Program Advisory Board (CFPAB) makes recommendations to the Snohomish County Council for projects to be funded as part of the Conservation Futures Program, and develop strategic, long-range plans for the program. Recommendations from the CFPAB are forwarded to the Snohomish County Executive for transmittal to the County Council for final action. The CFPAB consists of the County Executive (or designee); two members of County Council; one elected official selected by all cities and towns whose population base, independently, is 10,000 or greater, one elected official selected by all cities and towns whose population base, independently, is less than 10,000, and two members representing citizens of Snohomish County. Board members serve four-year terms. Contact 425-388-6627 for more information
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Council On Aging
SCC 2.450 authorizes the Human Services Department to administer and coordinate county programs and projects relating to human services in accordance with county, state, and federal laws or regulations. The council is made up of no more than 30 members, who serve three-year terms. Members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the executive. Contact (425) 388-7317 for more information.
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Developmental Disabilities Advisory Board
SCC 2.400.030 authorizes the Human Services department to administer and coordinate county programs and projects relating to human services in accordance with county, state, and federal laws or regulations. DSHS, through its division of developmental disabilities, has a program to provide child development services, community access services, individual supported employment, grant-supported employment, and specialized industries employment. The board is made up of 15 members, who serve three-year terms and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Board members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the executive. Contact 425-388-7332 for more information.
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Districting Committee
The Districting Committee is appointed and convened every 10 years following the U.S. Census to redraw the county council district boundaries in accordance with state laws. The process by which the council district boundaries are redrawn is outlined in the Snohomish County Charter sections 4.60 and 4.70. The Districting Committee includes five members. Four of the members are appointed by the county council, two from each of the two largest major political parties. The four council-appointed members select a fifth member to serve as chair.
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Ethics Commission
SCC 2.50 created the Ethics Commission to receive complaints of ethics violations and otherwise administer the county’s Code of Ethics. The commission is made up of five members who serve three-year terms and may not serve more than two consecutive full terms. “No member of the commission, during his or her tenure, shall: a) hold or be a candidate for elective office; b) be an officer of any political party or political committee; c) make contributions to, or permit his or her name to be used in support of, or in opposition to, any candidate for county office; d) lobby or employ or assist a lobbyist.” Members are appointed by the Council on recommendation of the County Executive. Contact 425-388-3494 for more information.
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Evergreen State Fair Advisory Board
The Fair Advisory Board is composed of eleven members, five representing the Council district in which they live, and six at-large members who may live anywhere in the county. The board meets at least monthly and represents a broad range of interests. It was created to advise, consult and assist the Fair Manager in the operation and maintenance of the Evergreen State Fair. Members serve four-year terms and are limited to three consecutive full terms. Contact Kara Underwood, Division Manager, at 425-388-6640 or Kara.Underwood@snoco.org for more information.
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Historic Preservation Commission
Snohomish County values its historic buildings, sites, structures and objects. Through the Historic Preservation Commission, Snohomish County seeks to identify, preserve and protect significant historic and archaeological properties that celebrates the rich history of Snohomish County. The Historic Preservation Commission offers a number of services to support preservation efforts of these irreplaceable county assets: A local register of historic places Special Valuation Tax incentives for historic building rehabilitation Educational resources and contacts A guide to the three-tiered register system For more information contact Gretchen Kaehler at 425-388-3432.
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Housing Authority Board Of Commissions
The Housing Authority Board is made up of six members, at least one of whom must be assisted by a HUD-supported housing program. Commissioners serve five-year terms and are limited to three consecutive full terms. A representative of each council district is not specifically required. Commission members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the executive. Contact the Housing Authority of Snohomish County at (425) 290-8499 for more information.
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Human Rights Commission
The Snohomish County Human Rights Commission (SCHRC) serves as an advisory body to the County Executive, County Council, Office of Human Rights, and other county officers and agencies in matters concerning human rights. The Commission consists of nine members appointed by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. Members of the commission shall serve without compensation. See Snohomish County Code Chapter 2.460.020 and from that page, search for 2.460.020. For further information contact via email: Contact.HumanRightsCommission@snoco.org Direct contact: Sherry Cuddy (425)388-7308
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Lake Stevens Park & Recreation Area Government Advisory Board
On March 12, 2002, voters in the Lake Stevens area established the Lake Stevens Park and Recreation Service Area. That area’s boundaries are the same as the Lake Stevens School District. A subsequent interlocal agreement between the city and county establishes the Lake Stevens Park and Recreation Service Area Governing Advisory Board. That board shall be made up of four members, three appointed by the county from persons living in unincorporated Snohomish County and one appointed by the City of Lake Stevens from persons living within the city limits. Board members serve two-year terms, and may not serve more than three consecutive terms. Board members are appointed by the county council on recommendation of the executive. Contact 425-388-6621 for more information.
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Law and Justice Commission
The Law and Justice Council serves as an advisory body to the Snohomish County Council on issues relating to the law and justice system. The body is composed of partners in the justice system including members representing law enforcement, public defense, prosecutors, courts, juvenile justice, community members, and elected officials.
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Law Enforcement Officers & Fire Fighters Disability Board
The LEOFF Disability Board was created pursuant to RCW 41.26.110 to establish uniform methods of procedure for the conduct of the business of the Snohomish County Disability Board as established by state law. It is comprised of five members, one representing the legislative body of the county; one representing the legislative body of the cities and towns, one representing fire fighters, one representing law enforcement officers, and one member at large who is selected by the other board members. Board members serve two-year terms and are not limited to the number of terms. Contact Jaime Peniche (425-388-3701, Jaime.peniche@snoco.org) or, in the alternative, Yvonne Chan (425-388-3600, Yvonne.chan@snoco.org) for more information.
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Local Emergency Planning Committee
LEPCs are established pursuant to the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) of 1986. LEPCs work in coordination with facilities that utilize / store hazardous materials, emergency responders, and various community stakeholders to prepare hazardous material emergency plans, serve as the repository for reports filed under Title III, and work to increase awareness, understanding, and compliance with the EPCRA.
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Lodging Tax Advisory Committee
The Lodging Tax Advisory committee was established to review applications for funding from lodging taxes collected by the county and to make recommendations to the County Council on those applications and related lodging tax issues. The board is made up of 6 members. The chair is a County Council member, two members represent lodging establishments, two members represent agencies or activities eligible for lodging tax funding, and one is an ex officio (non-voting) representative of a Snohomish County city. Committee members are appointed by the council. Contact 425-388-3494 for more information.
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Marine Resources Advisory Committee
The Snohomish County Marine Resources Advisory Committee (MRC) is a citizen-based volunteer committee appointed by the Snohomish County Council. It is one of seven county-based MRC's, which conduct restoration, conservation, and education projects with diverse partners and community members to meet performance benchmarks. These efforts are coordinated and guided by the Northwest Straits Commission, a federally-funded organization dedicated to protecting the Northwest Straits region of the Salish Sea. Contact us at 425-388-6414
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North Central (Mukilteo) Ferry Advisory Committee
RCW 47.60.310 created local ferry advisory committees to provide local perspectives and recommendations to the Washington State Department of Transportation. Applicants should have an active interest in issues pertaining to ferry service; ferry commuters or people with businesses impacted by ferry terminal locations and schedules are especially valuable committee members. Each committee is made up of three persons who must be Snohomish County residents and who serve four-year terms. Not more than two members of any terminal-area committee may be from the same political party at the time of their appointment, and in a county having more than one committee; the overall party representation shall be as nearly equal as possible. Local committees meet quarterly within their own regions; each committee chair also serves on a state executive committee, which meets twice yearly with state officials. Contact 425-388-3494 for more information.
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North Sound BH-ASO Advisory Board
The state legislature enacted SSB 5400 in 1989, which allows interested counties to form a regional support network for certain mental health services. The five counties of northwestern Washington, coinciding with DSHS Region 3 (Island, San Juan, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom) comprise the North Sound Regional Support Network, now known as North Sound Behavioral Health Administrative Services Organization (North Sound BH-ASO). The North Sound BH-ASO Advisory Board advocates for the interests of mentally ill persons and their families and substance use disorder persons, and provides recommendations to the North Sound BH-ASO Executive Committee, consisting of elected officials from the five counties. The Advisory Board is comprised of 26 members, nine from Snohomish County. Board members serve three-year terms and are appointed by County Council on recommendation of the County Executive. Contact (425) 388-6291 for more information.
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Noxious Weed Control Board
Check out the mission and membership of the Noxious Weed Control Board.
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Parks Advisory Board
The Snohomish County Parks Advisory Board assists the director of the Department of Parks and Recreation in reviewing and recommending policies related to Parks and Recreation facilities and operations. Board members also participate in Parks events and assist in promoting parks facilities, events and programs. The board is composed of eleven members. Five members are appointed from each of the County Council districts and must reside in those districts. Six members serve at-large and may reside anywhere in the county. Board members can serve up to three four-year terms. Nominees are recommended by the County Executive and confirmed by the County Council. Contact Sharon.Swan@snoco.org or 425-388-6616
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Performance Audit Committee
The Performance Audit Committee is made up of eight members, consisting of the county auditor and seven appointed members. Of those seven, two are appointed by the executive and five are appointed by council: one by each council member and confirmed by council so that each council district is represented by at least one committee member. Committee members must be Snohomish County residents and have backgrounds that demonstrate knowledge or experience that would be beneficial in carrying out the tasks of the committee. Contact 425-388-3494 for more information.
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Planning Commission
Planning Commissioners are citizen volunteers (not county employees) and are appointed by the County Council. They serve four-year terms and can be reappointed for a second four-year term. By County Code, the Secretary of the Planning Commission is the Director of the Planning and Development Services Department (PDS). The Director of PDS has the option to designate another PDS staff member to serve as Acting Secretary. Contact us at 425-388-3285
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Public Facilities District
The Public Facilities District was chartered by Snohomish County to oversee potential acquisition, construction, operation, and financing of one or more regional centers and related parking as allowed for in RCW 36.100. The board is made up of five members appointed by the council to reflect the interests of cities and towns in the county, as well as unincorporated areas of the county. Board members serve four-year terms, with initial appointments staggered so that two of the initial five members served two-year terms. Contact 425-388-3862 for more information.
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Salary Commission
The commission is made up of 10 members, nominated by the county executive and confirmed by the county council. Six of the members of the commission are selected by lot by the county auditor from among all registered voters in Snohomish County. The remaining four members are required to have experience in the field of personnel management and come from four sectors: business, professional personnel management, legal profession, and organized labor. Commissioners serve two-year terms. The Snohomish County Citizens' Commission on Salaries of Elected Officials is an independent commission that meets every two years to fix the salaries of elected officials in Snohomish County. The commission sets base salaries according to the duties of office and to attract citizens of the highest quality to public service. The offices whose salaries are set by the commission are the county council, executive, assessor, auditor, clerk, prosecuting attorney, sheriff and treasurer.
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Sno-Isle Regional Library Board Of Trustees
The Sno-Isle Regional Library is an inter-county rural library district serving Snohomish and Island Counties. The district is governed by a seven-member board of trustees; five from Snohomish County and two from Island County. Appointment is made by the respective County Council (or commissioners) and concurred by the other county. Board members serve seven-year terms and are limited to two consecutive terms. Contact the Sno-Isle Regional Library Director at 360-651-7008 for more information.
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Snohomish County Tomorrow
Snohomish County Tomorrow (SCT) is a cooperative and collaborative public inter-jurisdictional forum consisting of representatives from the county and nineteen of the cities as well as the Tulalip Tribes. SCT’s goal for Snohomish County, the cities and tribes in Snohomish County is to partner and work together for the betterment of all citizens in Snohomish County and the region. SCT’s primary function is to oversee the Countywide Planning Policies (CPP) which are written policies used solely for the purpose of establishing a countywide framework from which the county and cities’ comprehensive plans are developed.
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Solid Waste Advisory Committee
The Snohomish County Solid Waste Advisory Committee is to be comprised of a county-wide group of representatives of municipalities, citizens, and industry, to assist in the development of programs and policies concerning solid waste handling and disposal and to review and comment upon proposed rules, policies, or ordinances prior to their adoption. Candidates shall be residents of Snohomish County or firms licensed to do business in Snohomish County. Length of Term: Two years. Contact 425-388-6489
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Stillaguamish River Clean Water District (CWD)
The Stillaguamish River Clean Water District (CWD) Advisory Board was established with the creation of the CWD in 1993 to guide the spending of Clean Water District revenues. It is a stakeholder advisory board comprised of local landowners, agencies, tribes, and businesses. The board makes recommendations to Snohomish County and other organizations that receive CWD revenues to work on water quality, water quantity, and aquatic habitat issues in the CWD. The CWD Advisory Board reviews funding levels and annual work plans primarily of the Surface Water Management Division of Snohomish County Public Works Department and the Snohomish Conservation District. Contact 425-388-3024 for more information.
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Tourism Promotion Area Advisory Board
The Tourism Promotion Area (TPA) Advisory Board was created under the authority of RCW 35.101.080 to serve in a consultative capacity to make use of lodging charges collected under Chapter 4.118 SCC. The Advisory Board is comprised of 14 members: five (5) lodging members, one from each of the five Snohomish County Council Districts, four (4) at-large lodging members, and five (5) non-lodging members, one from each of the five Districts. The purpose of the TPA is to increase overnight stays in Snohomish County. Additional considerations include: the improvement and development of tourism attractions, allowing for tourism marketing in new markets, increased advertising and trade show attendance and other marketing promotions. Pursuant to SCC 4.118.080, members of the Advisory Board may serve up to three consecutive, three year terms.
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Veterans' Assistance Fund Executive Board
SCC 2.40.030 authorizes the Human Services Department to administer and coordinate county programs and projects relating to human services in accordance with county, state and federal laws or regulations. Board members are appointed by the County Council on recommendation of the Executive. Contact (425) 388-7319 for more information.