Major Institutions & Schools

About the Major Institutions and Schools Programs

Seattle's major institutions - our hospitals, universities, and colleges - and our public K-12 schools are important parts of the city and region. Since our major institutions and schools are in thriving neighborhoods, they require special development plans to ensure equitable growth and the well-being of the surrounding communities. To achieve this, community members like you collaborate with representatives from these institutions and the City to craft mutually beneficial plans for development.

Originally a program of the Department of Neighborhoods, this work was moved to the Office of Planning and Community Development in January 2026.

What's Happening Now?

Shape How Seattle's Major Institutions Grow

The City of Seattle is seeking community members to serve on Major Institution Implementation Advisory Committees - a meaningful opportunity to influence how hospitals, universities, and colleges develop alongside the neighborhoods that surround them.

About this Opportunity

Do you live, work, or have strong ties to the Capital Hill, First Hill, or Cherry Hill neighborhoods? Interested in building constructive connection between major institutions like hospitals, universities, and colleges with surrounding communities? Apply to serve on a Major Institution Implementation Advisory Committees (IAC).

Seattle is home to 13 major institutions, including hospitals, universities, and colleges. Each institution has an Advisory Committee that creates a structured space for dialogue between the institution, nearby residents, and the City. Community volunteers are central to these conversations, bringing local knowledge and neighborhood priorities to institutional planning decisions.

Advisory committees review institutional development plans, discuss proposed projects, and offer feedback to both the City and the institutions, helping ensure that campus growth supports livable neighborhoods and strong community relationships.

Who Should Apply

This is a great fit for community members who live, work, or have strong ties to neighborhoods near one of these institutions and want to support constructive dialogue between institutions and surrounding communities, or anyone with an interest in community planning, neighborhood development, or institutional growth.

The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity on its boards and advisory committees. We strongly encourage Black, Indigenous, and other people of color (BIPOC), women, people with disabilities, LGBTQ+ individuals, immigrants, seniors, young adults, and multilingual community members to apply.

No prior planning experience is required. Your community perspective is the most important qualification.

Current Openings

• Capitol Hill: Kaiser Permanente Implementation Advisory Committee (IAC), seeks 4 to 6 open community member positions
• First Hill : Virginia Mason Medical Center Implementation Advisory Committee (IAC) seeks 4 to 6 open community member positions and Swedish First Hill Implementation Advisory Committee (IAC) seeks 2 to 4 open community member positions
• Cherry Hills Neighborhood: Swedish Cherry Hill Implementation Advisory Committee (IAC) seeks 2 to 4 open community member positions 

 Applications for IACs are accepted year-round and reviewed as vacancies arise.

Time Commitment

• Participate in evening meetings, with both in-person and virtual options
• Meetings are held 1 to 4 times annually, typically 1.5 to 2 hours each
• Preparation for meetings by review meeting materials or development plan documents before meetings
• Provide community feedback and perspectives during discussions

How to Apply

Submit a letter of interest of the committee(s) you’d like to join, and your resume, to:

Dipti Garg, Seattle Office of Planning and Community Development 
Email: dipti.garg@seattle.gov
Mail: P.O. Box 94788, Seattle, WA 98124-7088

Apply by Tuesday, July 7.

Applications are reviewed jointly by City staff and the institution. IAC recommendations are forwarded to the OPCD Director for approval. Applications for IACs are accepted year-round and reviewed as vacancies arise. 

Questions? Email Dipti Garg at dipti.garg@seattle.gov.