Partner with Seattle Public Utilities in sharing a sustainable future for our city! Explore two exciting opportunities: the Customer Review Panel (CRP) and the Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC). CRP and SWAC are looking for new members to contribute expertise and passion to help improve utility services and advance our commitment to environmental stewardship and social justice.
To apply: Complete an online application.
The application deadline for both opportunities is Tuesday, April 23
Available Opportunities
Customer Review Panel (CRP)
About the Panel
CRP members advise SPU leadership and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on the Utility’s Strategic Business Plan and rates, including topics related to drinking water, solid waste and sewer services. SPU is offering nominal stipends for individuals participating in CRP to reduce barriers for participation.
Time Commitment
CRP members serve three-year terms.
- Meetings occur quarterly and are 2-3 hours
- Monthly meetings are held during Strategic Business Plan development years
Who should apply?
Those interested in applying should:
- Represent neighborhoods that have experienced significant displacement and discriminatory policies or practices
- Have lived experience being targeted by racially discriminatory policies and practices
- Have interest in SPU’s mission to become a community-centered utility focused on clean water and zero waste
- Have connections to and love for Seattle communities
Staff Contact
CRP Staff Liaison: Brian Brooke, Brian.Brooke@seattle.gov
Solid Waste Advisory Committee (SWAC)
About the Committee
SWAC members advise SPU’s Solid Waste Division staff and leadership on waste prevention, recycling, composting, and garbage programs and policies. SWAC members serve on a volunteer basis and represent diverse interests, organizations, and community perspectives.
Time Commitment
Committee members are appointed for a two-year term. Members may extend their term up to 4 years before reapplying.
- SWAC convenes on a monthly basis (with winter and summer breaks)
- Meetings are typically 2 hours
- Outside of meetings, members should expect to spend approximately 0.5-2 hours per month on committee correspondence and other business
Who should apply?
Those interested in applying should have:
- An interest in SPU’s solid waste services, policies, and programs
- The ability to represent community interests in recommendations
- Experience collaborating with teams
- Desire to improve government services through lived (e.g., BIPOC, low/fixed income) and/or professional expertise.
Staff Contact
SWAC Staff Liaison: Quinn Apuzzo, Quinn.Apuzzo@seattle.gov
The Customer Review Panel (CRP) of Seattle Public Utilities seeks new members for July 2024 appointment.
CRP members advise SPU leadership and make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council on the utility’s strategic business plan and rates, including topics related to drinking water, solid waste, and sewer services. CRP members bring community expertise and different professional and life experiences to ensure SPU can make Seattle the best place to live for everyone. SPU is especially interested in members who can actively partner to on our commitments to our City Values, including racial and social justice. CRP members serve three-year terms.
SPU’s Strategic Business Plan helps focus the Utility’s work to better meet the needs of our customers and communities. It also provides our customers with a predictable three-year rate path and projections for the subsequent three years. We update the plan and adopted rate path on a three-year cycle to allow for future uncertainties and adjustments.
Time Commitment
Panel members are appointed to serve a three-year term. Members are expected to attend Customer Review Panel meetings, workgroup meetings, and other CRP planned events. Meetings occur quarterly and are 2-3 hours. Monthly meetings are held during Strategic Business Plan development years.
Stipends
SPU is offering nominal stipends for individuals participating in CRP to reduce barriers for participation. Stipends are intended to honor volunteer time, lived experience, and expertise members bring to CRP. Persons from Black, Indigenous, Communities of Color, Immigrant & Refugee communities and low-income backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.
We actively seek a diverse candidate pool to help inform SPU on its work and vision to become a community-centered utility.
Those interested in applying should:
- Represent neighborhoods that have experienced significant displacement and discriminatory policies or practices
- Have lived experience being targeted by racially discriminatory policies and practices
- Have interest in SPU’s mission to become a community-centered utility focused on clean water and zero waste
- Have connections to and love for Seattle communities.
Panel members meet quarterly (monthly during business plan updates) & duties include:
- Elevating the voices and needs of communities that have historically been marginalized within the City’s political process
- Reviewing SPU’s Strategic Business Plan and rate path
- Developing anti-racist policies and practices to better help the City eliminate institutional and systemic racism
- Bringing a community-centered lens and experience to the CRP, participating in a feedback cycle between SPU customers and the Utility
- Participating in quarterly meetings as well as additional training and field trip opportunities.
More information on the Customer Review Panel page.
To apply: Complete an online application.
Send an email to Brian.Brooke@seattle.gov with your application materials or statement of interest.
Contact Brian Brooke with questions at Brian.Brooke@seattle.gov or (206) 939-2286.
Looking for a way to get involved in your community? Want to help shape Seattle’s recycling, compost, and disposal services? Ready to help Seattle get to Zero Waste? Then we want you as a member of SWAC!
Description
SWAC is a diverse group of community volunteers who advise SPU’s Solid Waste Division staff and leadership on waste prevention, recycling, compost, and garbage programs and policies. Members review and comment upon proposed rules, policies, and ordinances prior to their adoption.
SWAC members bring expertise from their communities and organizations, with different professional and life experiences, to ensure SPU can make Seattle the best place to live for everyone. SPU is especially interested in members who can actively partner to uphold commitments to Our City Values and Social Justice.
Responsibilities
- Represent community and organizational interests in making solid waste recommendations
- Write letters to support SPU’s goals, such as moving toward Zero Waste
- Comment on the Solid Waste Comprehensive Plan and Annual Waste Prevention & Recycling Report
- Review SPU programs and policies for customer impact
- Work collaboratively with other members of differing viewpoints
- Attend monthly meetings and participate in group conversations on solid waste topics
Qualifications
- Interest in SPU’s solid waste services, policies, and programs
- Ability to represent community interests in recommendations
- Experience collaborating with teams
- Desire to improve government services through lived (e.g., BIPOC, low/fixed income) and/or professional expertise.
Benefits
- The ability to influence SPU decision making around Solid Waste services, policies, and plans
- Advocate for one’s specific community interests and share perspectives
- Learn and hear perspectives of different community members and the impact of city services
- Have an active role in local government with a diverse group of community members
More information on the Solid Waste Advisory Committee page.
To apply: Complete an online application.
Contact Quinn Apuzzo with questions: Quinn.Apuzzo@seattle.gov or (206) 507-1485.