If you've been itching to sway the course of local governance without running for office, now's your chance. Snohomish County is searching for a new member to join the Boundary Review Board, a key advisory group that sounds, admittedly, a bit dry but holds significant sway over county decisions regarding annexations, incorporations, and various boundary-related disputes. It’s not the flashiest gig, but if zoning codes get your heart racing, this might be the seat for you.
The board, a neutral entity consisting of five citizens, seeks to fill a seat soon to be vacated. Members are plucked from a diverse pool and are chosen by either the governor, the county executive, the mayors of Snohomish County, or the board itself based on nominations from local special purpose districts, according to the county's announcement. The chosen one – who can't be a current county official, employee, advisor, or consultant – must be a Snohomish County resident and, ideally, savvy in the intricacies of the Growth Management Act, the Open Public Meetings Act, and the Appearance of Fairness Doctrine.
In addition to legal knowledge, potential board members should be prepared with a keen eye for reviewing technical documents—such as planning materials, environmental reports, and the like—and listening to the local public's opinions. The ability to apply state statutes to decision-making is essential, and experience serving on a jurisdiction's planning commission can also strengthen your chances.
Contributing to the Boundary Review Board is a commitment to making Snohomish County a more livable and well-ordered place. Members should be able to attend the board's meetings and hearings – they’re held about six times a year, though that number can vary. Applicants eager to serve their community by navigating the often challenging terrain of local governance will find this role a unique opportunity to make a tangible impact on the county's future.
