The King County Conservation Futures Citizen Oversight Committee – a volunteer citizen advisory board serving King County government – is seeking individuals who are interested in the acquisition and protection of open space lands to serve on the Committee.
King County Conservation Futures tax levy (CFT) funds are used to purchase or preserve open space lands, including natural areas, passive-use parks, urban green spaces, wildlife habitat, trails, farms and forests in unincorporated King County and its cities.
The citizen oversight committee reviews applications for CFT funds. The panel makes project funding recommendations to the King County Executive, who submits a completed funding recommendation package to the King County Council for final approval.
Individuals who are familiar with and have an interest in open space preservation are encouraged to apply.
While the committee’s schedule is subject to change depending on the workload, service on the committee typically requires:
- Attending six or more mid-week evening committee meetings on Mercer Island between January and May;
- Attending three to six field trips on mid-week afternoons or Saturdays to tour applicant sites in April;
- Actively participating in and contributing to the efforts of the Committee.
- Evaluating regional and local needs and opportunities, especially to balance the unmet needs for open spaces in cities, where many county residents live;
- Providing regional open spaces that are often visited by residents who live farther away;
- Ensuring protection of habitat, farmland and working forests; and
- Providing regional trails and natural parks.
Committee terms typically last for four years, and members can serve two terms. All members must be King County residents.
There are two open positions on the 16-member oversight committee:
One position is open only to residents of King County Council District 7, and candidates must be nominated by Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. His office can be reached at 206-477-1007.
There is also a Council-at-Large position that is open to all King County residents, and candidates must be nominated by King County Council Chair Joe McDermott. His office can be reached at 206-477-1008.
More information about serving on the oversight committee is available by contacting Ingrid Lundin, Conservation Futures Program Coordinator, Ingrid.Lundin@kingcounty.gov, 206-477-4578. Information is also available at kingcounty.gov/CFT, or at kingcounty.gov/depts/executive
