Equitable Development Initiative

Apply to serve on the King County EDI Interim Advisory Board

Applications must be submitted by March 30 at 11:59 pm.

King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS) is recruiting up to 11 community members to serve one to three year terms on a new King County EDI Interim Advisory Board. The King County EDI Interim Advisory Board provides strategic direction and guidance for the new King County EDI including advising on program priorities, promoting accountability to the King County EDI framework and values, and amplifying King County EDI activities and programs.

Background: In 2022, King County Council passed Motion 16062 to establish a county-wide EDI to support community-driven development in communities at risk of displacement. In 2024, Ordinance 19861 appropriated $13 million for one year of King County EDI implementation, including $1 million for a new capacity building grants program and $11.5 million in capital funds. The new King County EDI will provide investments in housing-related and other types of community driven development projects that consider past policy decisions, historic inequities, and current conditions to improve access to opportunities to the most affected communities and allocate resources to communities at risk from displacement. Any King County EDI activities and investments will be guided by the framework, vision, and recommendations put forth in the King County EDI Phase 1 and Phase 2 implementation plans.

The King County EDI Interim Advisory Board is a temporary advisory structure, comprised of members selected by King County’s Department of Community and Human Services (DCHS). If the King County EDI should be sustainably funded with at least $10 million annually in the future, the Interim Advisory Board would conclude and a Permanent Advisory Board will be established with an appointment process in accordance with Ordinance 19712, the recommendations in the Phase 2 Implementation Plan, and any future legislation related to a King County EDI Permanent Advisory Board.

Responsibilities: Member responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• providing guidance to King County staff on implementation actions and activities such Request for Proposals, program approaches and priorities, and community outreach and education about funding opportunities;
• making recommendations to the County on legislation related to the permanent EDI Advisory Board requirements;
• developing guiding values and code of conduct for the Interim Advisory Board;
• serving on King County EDI related RFP review panels (pending no conflict of interest); and
• participating in the selection process for the permanent EDI Advisory Board.

Composition: The Interim Advisory Board will be comprised of up to 11 community members representing communities that are vulnerable to displacement. This may include, but is not limited to, geographic communities at higher risk of displacement as well as communities experiencing higher rates of housing instability and displacement, based on indicators like cost-burden and eviction rates. These communities include low-income communities, people with disabilities, Black Indigenous, and people of color, immigrants, refugees, elders, and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) communities.

King County aims for the composition of the Interim Advisory Board to have broad geographic representation across King County, including rural areas as well as members who identify as youth and elders, and two or more members affiliated with Indigenous or Urban Native community-based organizations or tribes. Six seats are prioritized for members of the King County EDI Community Planning Workgroup, which co-developed the Phase 1 and Phase 2 implementation plans, to ensure continuity between the planning and implementation phases. Three seats are prioritized for representatives living in or serving unincorporated areas of King County.

Eligibly Criteria: The application is open to all members of the public who are current King County residents. Priority consideration will be given to applicants with:

• lived experience of displacement or who are rooted in communities vulnerable to displacement;
• knowledge of or experience with community-driven development and the principles of community stewardship of land and housing;
• relevant experience, skills, working knowledge relevant to equitable development such as community development, anti-displacement policy and programs, affordable housing development and finance, community-centered grantmaking, economic development, community organizing, and managing cultural facilities (Please note:applicants do not have to be a subject matter experts. Having a deep desire to learn about subjects you are less familiar with will be important;)
• demonstrated commitment to the guiding values and vision of the King County EDI (See the Phase 1 Implementation Plan, pages 24-28);
• a commitment to evaluate and make recommendations through an equity and social justice lens;
• a connection to a community-based organization led by and for one or more communities vulnerable to displacement; and
• the necessary capacity and scheduling availability to serve on the Interim Advisory Board.

Expectations:

• Participate in an in-person orientation meeting in April 2025.
• Participate in virtual meetings twice a month (two hours per meeting).
• Review materials and provide feedback as needed.
• Actively participate in discussions and deliberations.
• Work collaboratively with King County staff and fellow interim advisory board members to address challenges during the process and help reach equitable outcomes.
• Complete any required training sessions.
• Being aware of, and transparent with, potential conflicts of interest.

Time Commitment:

• The Interim Advisory Board will convene in April 2025.
• Members should expect to commit approximately 4-6 hours a month to Interim Advisory Board meetings and related work.
• In-person working retreats will occur on an as needed basis, approximately 1-2 a year.

Term: Terms may vary from one year to three years. Most members will be appointed to a three year term. Any service beyond 18 months will be contingent on the King County Council allocating additional funding to support King County EDI implementation and administration, beyond 2025. If a member ceases to attend and fulfil their duties, or if membership is revoked, membership can be replaced on a rolling basis.

Compensation: Members will be compensated at a rate of $75.00/hour for time spent participating in meetings as well as a limited amount of time spent on reviewing and developing materials. Compensation is subject to availability of funds. Interim Advisory Board members will be contracted as an independent contractor. It is the responsibility of the contractor to submit a King County W9, accurately track attendance, and submit invoices and supporting documentation for review and approval to receive payment. Members will be asked to submit invoices at the end of every quarter.

As independent contractors, Interim Advisory Board members will be responsible for all tax liabilities related to this income. For more information on self-employment tax liabilities go to:

• https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employment-tax-social-security-and-medicare-taxes
• https://www.irs.gov/businesses/small-businesses-self-employed/self-employed-individuals-tax-center

Application Process and Timeline:

• APPLICATIONS must be submitted by March 30 at 11:59 pm.
• Application review will take place March 31 – April 15.      
  • Applications will be reviewed by a committee including community members and subject matter experts.
  • DCHS leadership will approve and determine membership selection.
• All applicants will be notified of the status of their application by April 22.

QUESTIONS: Please contact Yasmeen Perez, Equitable Development Program Manager at yaperez@kingcounty.gov or 206-263-8636.