In keeping with the Race and Social Justice Initiative, Seattle Mayor Mike McGinn and the Seattle City Council want to ensure that city government provides customer service to all, including immigrants and refugees living and working in Seattle.
They are seeking new members for the Immigration and Refugee Commission.
To this end, the Immigrant and Refugee Commission was created in 2008 and the Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs was established in January 2012.
The duties of the Immigrant and Refugee Commission include the following:
- Advising the mayor, city council, and city departments and offices on ways to enhance and improve access to city services and resources for immigrants and refugees, as well as strengthening opportunities for immigrants and refugees to participate in civic life.
- Advising the city on successful implementation of the Immigrant and Refugee Action Plan and on future updates to the plan.
- Advising all city departments and offices in matters affecting immigrants and refugees, as appropriate.
- Encouraging understanding between and among the various immigrant and refugee communities and the larger Seattle community.
- Advocating on behalf of immigrant and refugees in the larger Seattle community.
- Assisting in the direction of the newly created Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs.
The board has 15 members. Board members are appointed to two-year terms, with the option of reappointment for two more terms.
Board members are expected to devote a minimum of 10 hours per month to commission work, including attendance at monthly commission meetings and active participation in at least one committee. For more information, see the board website.
The Immigrant and Refugee Commission was established by Ordinance 122441 as a result of Seattle’s 2007 Immigrant and Refugee Report and Action Plan. (end)
Applications will be accepted through April 16. To apply, send in a resume, cover letter, and a short bio to Ronald Ramp at Ronald.ramp@seattle.gov. Call 206-684-0390 with questions.
