Levy Grant Advisory Committees

Each committee has specific roles designated for individuals affiliated with cities, nonprofits and/or districts which need to be filled as defined by the Parks Levy, there are no “at large” community member positions. An ideal committee member has a mixture of lived and professional experience that provides unique perspective. Committee members need to be able to manage their implicit biases during the evaluation process and make recommendations to support the Division’s Equity and Social Justice goals. We encourage BIPOC, immigrant, LGBTQ+, disabled, low-income, and other communities that have historically experienced underinvestment and underrepresentation to apply. An understanding of power dynamics between marginalized communities and government, and/or funders and grantees, is especially helpful.

Yes! We encourage members from stakeholder organizations who have received funding or anticipate applying in the future to serve on the committee as it can provide valuable insight into the experience of project sponsors. During the application review process, any committee member whose organization is engaged in or financially invested in of a project will be recused from the evaluation and discussion of that specific project. Committee members must also not bid on or otherwise benefit personally from projects they reviewed or scored while serving on the committee. County staff will assist in administering the conflict of interest policy and recusing committee members with conflicts.

All committee members will receive detailed onboarding into the duties and responsibilities of their role. Since meetings will primarily be held over Zoom, technical training is available on videoconferencing technology as needed. An in-depth training on the Grant Management System used to review and evaluate projects is provided, as well as robust technical assistance by County staff. Finally, all committee members will receive training on bias awareness and King County’s Equity and Social Justice priorities, as well as how to incorporate these into the grantmaking process.

The Open Space Equity Cabinet is our region's “voice” on the issue of open space equity. As an integral part of the Land Conservation Initiative, the Cabinet develops recommendations on how to further refine King County Code, plans, and funding sources to provide more equitable access to parks and open space.  The Healthy Communities and Parks Fund was a result of the Cabinet’s recommendation to build capacity of community organizations to lead investments in our open space infrastructure. 

As a result, we are seeking committee members who will both guide investments through the Healthy Communities and Parks Fund AND ALSO advise on larger policy initiatives through membership on the Cabinet.  For more information about the role and responsibilities of the Cabinet, please contact Heather Ramsay Ahndan.