Get Involved

Ways to get involved

The Planning Commission invites feedback and input of fellow residents and others invested in the future of the City of Seattle. Our meetings are open to the public, and we take public comment at every full Commission meeting. See our meetings calendar here.

The Commission also hosts community engagement events to share Commission initiatives on an as needed basis. Sign up for our mailing list to be alerted about community events (see sign-up button on the right of your screen). You can also reach out to staff if you have questions about the work of the Planning Commission. Our phone number is (206) 684-8694

Become a Planning Commissioner!

If you're interested in advising the Mayor's Office and City Council about planning and development related decisions, consider joining the Seattle Planning Commission! 

The Commission's application period is typically January through March, with the number of open positions varying year to year. Candidates must be current residents of Seattle, and be able to attend three meetings per month, with additional time out of meetings to attend events or review materials as needed. If you have questions about joining the Planning Commission, you can attend a meeting, or reach out to staff  to get more details. 

Ideal candidates add diverse experience to the Commission, and can bring to light issues facing all parts of the city as a result of their professional and lived experiences. We look for applicants who have a combination of the following characteristics:

1. Bring a commitment to making Seattle a great place to live and have interest in, knowledge of, or professional experience in land use, zoning, or other aspects of planning
2. Have a strong understanding of racial equity, and the impacts of racialized policies and practices in the field of planning
3. Have a commitment to community-building and community engagement
4. Understand transportation investments and how they impact the neighborhoods around them
5. Can speak to the needs of affordable housing and/or understand what role affordability plays in the city 
6. Have a passion for communicating planning topics to a diverse audience

New Commissioners sought for Seattle Planning Commission

What does the Commission work on?

We advise the Mayor, City Council, and City departments on citywide planning goals, policies, and plans and provide them with independent advice on land use, zoning, transportation, housing and related issues. 

The Commission is also the steward of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, the citywide vision for how Seattle grows. You can view our recent reports and other work on our website. 

Who are Planning Commissioners?

We are a sixteen-member Commission of neighbors that care about the future of our city. Commissioners have a broad range of skills and perspectives that include land use and transportation planning, community organizing, architecture and design, public health, low-income housing development, and community engagement. Commissioners are volunteers, serving without compensation for up to two terms, each term lasting three years.

What we’re looking for in applicants.

We are looking for diverse voices that bring to light issues facing all parts of the city and who can share professional and lived experience from across Seattle’s various communities. We are looking for applicants who:

• have a strong understanding of racial equity, and the impacts of racialized policies and practices in the field of planning,
• bring a commitment to making Seattle a great place to live and have interest in, knowledge of, or professional experience in land use, zoning, or other aspects of planning,
• have a commitment to community-building and community engagement,
• understand transportation investments and how they impact the neighborhoods around them,
• can speak to the needs of affordable housing and/or understand what role affordability plays in the city, and
• have a passion for communicating planning topics to a diverse audience.

Applicants must be current resident of Seattle and be able to attend a minimum of three Commission meetings per month (currently being held in a hybrid in-person/online format), with occasional community meetings as needed.

If you have questions, or would like to speak to current commissioners about their role, please contact Vanessa Murdock, Executive Director via e-mail at Vanessa.Murdock@seattle.gov

How to Apply -

To be considered for appointment to the Commission, please send a letter of interest and resume by May 20th, 2024 via email to:

Vanessa Murdock, Executive Director

Vanessa.Murdock@seattle.gov 

If post is preferred, please send to:
Seattle Planning Commission
PO Box 94788
Seattle WA 98124-7088

Please consider including any voluntary personal information regarding your cultural background, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, or disability that might assist us in meeting the City’s goal to create diverse boards and commissions.