City Boards and Commissions

The citizens of the City of Kennewick have a great opportunity to participate in the process of city government by becoming involved with various boards and commissions appointed by Council or the City Manager to develop goals, provide input and make decisions in specific areas. If you are interested in being considered for appointment to a board or commission, please address a letter of interest to Corporate & Community Services, P.O. Box 6108, Kennewick, WA 99336, or call (509) 585-4238 for more information.

Boards and Commissions Application

BOARD OF ADJUSTMENT

The Board of Adjustment, a seven-member body, serves in a quasi-judicial capacity (like a panel of judges) to hear, decide and grant or deny variances to the requirements of Title 18 (Zoning) and Title 17 (Subdivisions), and to hear and decide upon appeals submitted with regard to administration of the Zoning Ordinance. The Board meets on the 2nd and/or 4th Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm, at City Hall. The length of term is 4 years.

CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

The Civil Service Commission administers the recruitment, testing, and certification of eligibility lists for initial hire and promotion of the uniformed employees of the City's Police and Fire Departments. In addition, the three-member commission has authority to hear and decide cases involving the appeal of disciplinary actions. The Commission meets the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 5:00 pm, at City Hall. The length of term is 4 years.

PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION

The Parks and Recreation Commission is responsible for advising and recommending actions to Council regarding the management, control, improvement and beautification of all City parkland. Additionally, the seven-member commission is responsible for making recommendations to Council on the establishment and effectiveness of recreation programs. The Commission meets on the 2nd Thursday of each month at 7:00 pm, in the Council Chambers at City Hall. The length of term is 4 years.

PLANNING COMMISSION

The Planning Commission, consisting of seven members, serves in an advisory role on all matters relating to the growth and development of the City. It recommends a comprehensive plan and reviews all subdivision matters and recommends whether proposed zoning of districts is within the best interests of the City. The Commission meets on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month at 7:00 pm, at City Hall. The length of term is 4 years.

KENNEWICK POLICE ADVISORY TEAM (KPAT)

The Kennewick Police Advisory Team is comprised of volunteers from several groups within our community. The volunteers are representatives of the Kennewick School District, the business community, the League of Women Voters, City Council, and cultural groups within the community. The team provides input on police policies and the mission of the Police Department. KPAT helps the Police Department maintain a link between citizens and their police. The Advisory Team meets the 1st Monday of each month at 7:00 pm, at the Police Department. The length of term is 2 years.

HISTORIC PRESERVATION COMMISSION

The Historic Preservation Commission is responsible for raising community awareness of the City's history and historic resources. The Commission also encourages the conservation of the City's historic resources by initiating and maintaining a register of historic places and reviewing proposed changes to the City's Register of Historic Places. Serves as the City's primary resource in matters of history, historic planning and preservation. The Commission meets the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm, at City Hall. The length of term is 4 years.

BLOCK GRANT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

The Block Grant Advisory Committee provides citizen input regarding the use of Community Development Block Grant funds along with the development of a plan to address the City's housing and community needs. The members have an interest or knowledge in the field of finance, construction, economic development, housing services, senior services or social services. The Committee meets on the 4th Tuesday of each month at 4:30 pm, at Mid-Columbia Library - Keewaydin Park Branch. The length of term is 4 years.

KENNEWICK IMPROVEMENT BOARD

The Improvement Board consists of 5 members and meets monthly to hear and determine matters concerning unfit dwellings, buildings, structures and premises within the City limits.  The Board meets on the 3rd Wednesday of each month at 7:00 pm, at City Hall.  The length of term is 4 years.

ARTS COMMISSION

The Arts Commission reviews and recommends proposed gifts, loans or projects concerning public art within the City of Kennewick.  The Commission meets quarterly at 6:00 p.m. (specific dates are coordinated with members).  Length of term is 4 years.