The Tacoma City Council is currently accepting applications from interested individuals to fill 12 positions on the Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee. This committee plays a crucial role in ensuring the city’s commitment to equity in contracting practices, and presents a unique opportunity for dedicated individuals to actively contribute to Tacoma’s pursuit of equitable and inclusive contracting practices.
The available positions include representation from various sectors to ensure a comprehensive perspective. Five positions are reserved for community members, with one individual selected from each of the Council Districts. Additionally, six positions are dedicated to contractor representatives, including Minority Business Enterprise, Women Business Enterprise, Small Business Enterprise, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, Large Prime, and Union Signatory Firm. The committee will also feature one representative from the Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU) service area, as recommended by the Tacoma Public Utility Board.
The primary responsibility of the Equity in Contracting Advisory Committee is to provide guidance and recommendations to staff regarding the City’s Equity in Contracting (EIC) policy. This entails monitoring compliance with the provisions and regulations outlined in Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 1.07, promoting awareness of the EIC program, and offering advice to the EIC Program Manager to enhance the program’s overall performance and effectiveness.
To be eligible for consideration, applicants must be residents of Tacoma or the TPU service area and should not hold any other elected public office. Immediate family members of City of Tacoma employees are also ineligible to apply. The City of Tacoma is committed to fostering an equitable and anti-racist community and encourages applications from individuals belonging to diverse backgrounds, including Black and Indigenous community members, people of color, LGBTQ individuals, individuals with disabilities, seniors, immigrants, and refugees.
Upon appointment, the selected candidate must complete five training sessions on the Open Public Meetings Act and Public Records Act. These training sessions will be provided by the Washington State Office of the Attorney General and must be completed within 90 days of joining the committee, board, or commission.
Interested applicants are required to submit their applications to the City Clerk’s Office no later than Monday, July 10, 2023. The application form can be accessed at cityoftacoma.org/cbcapplication. For any inquiries related to the application process, requests for an alternate application format, or submission of additional documents, applicants are advised to contact Elizabeth Wing in the City Clerk’s Office at servetacoma@cityoftacoma.org or (253) 591-5178.
