information from the City of Seattle

Mayor Edward Murray and the Seattle City Council announced their appointees to the City’s new Community Involvement Commission (CIC). Created by Executive Order 2016-06 issued by Mayor Murray last year, the 16-member commission will advise the City on priorities, policies, and strategies related to equitable civic engagement and public participation in City decision-making processes. It will also provide feedback on the development of City departments’ community involvement plans.

“In order for Seattle to reach its full potential, all residents including those representing underrepresented and underserved communities must have the opportunity to participate in the City’s decision making and planning processes,” said Mayor Murray. “The commissioners will have a critical role in guiding the City toward more accessible and equitable community engagement, and I look forward to their ideas and counsel so that the City’s efforts ensure that all voices are heard.”

Nearly 300 individuals applied for 13 CIC positions to be appointed by the Mayor and City Council – six selected by the Mayor and seven by City Council (by Council District). One additional Mayoral appointee will be selected through the Get Engaged program, and CIC members will nominate individuals to fill the two remaining positions later this year. All the appointments are subject to City Council confirmation.

“We have a creative, diverse, geographically representative group of appointees who will help strengthen the way neighborhood participation occurs in 21st century Seattle,” said Councilmember Tim Burgess (Position 8, Citywide). “The Commission will have an array of engagement tools at our fingertips, from web surveys, to telephone town halls, to social media, and in-person meetings.”

Below is the list of the newly appointed members of the Community Involvement Commission:

Mayor Ed Murray Appointees:
Julie Pham
Alex Hudson
Bereket Kiros
Sonja Basha
Emily Kim
Jenna Franklin

City Council Appointees:
District 1: Jennifer Calleja
District 2: Thais Marbles
District 3: Natalie Curtis
District 4: Alison Turner
District 5: Mark Mendez
District 6: Ben Mitchell
District 7: Patricia Akiyama

The City Council’s Affordable Housing, Neighborhoods, and Finance Committee will discuss and possibly vote on the CIC appointments at its May 26 and June 7 meetings. The meetings will begin at 9:30 a.m. in City Council Chambers, Seattle City Hall, 600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 2.

For more information or for questions, contact Sara Belz at (206) 684-8696 or email sara.belz@seattle.gov. You can also learn more about the Community Involvement Commission at this website.