Council of the Preservation and Development Authority
Historic Seattle Council members at Dearborn House / Photo: Marissa Natkin.
Council members typically have expertise in architecture,
urban planning, real estate development, engineering, finance,
non-profit management or historic preservation. Four Council
members are appointed by the Seattle Mayor, four members are
elected by the Historic Seattle membership, and four are appointed
by the Council itself. Terms are four years and are staggered.
All members of the Council are confirmed by the Seattle City
Council and are required to file an annual Statement of Economic
Interest (conflict of interest) with the City Clerk. The Council:
- Approves financial activities and monthly financial statements
- Approves selection of properties for purchase/rehabilitation
and other property transactions
- Approves leases and contracts
- Selects an independent auditor and accepts the annual audit
- Approves and reviews budgets for operations and capital
projects
- Serves as ambassadors for Historic Seattle in the community
- Participates in an annual planning retreat
- Hires, evaluates and provides administrative guidance to
the Executive Director, who manages the day-to-day operations
of Historic Seattle.
Executive Committee
The Historic Seattle Council has an Executive Committee which
meets monthly to conduct business for the Council between Council
meetings. Made up of Council Officers and one at-large Council
member, the Executive Committee:
- Identifies, recruits and recommends candidates for Council
membership
- Oversees Council member orientation and assigns mentors
for new members
- Monitors and recommends amendments to Charter, Bylaws or
other Council policies as needed
- Develops and recommends the annual slate of officers
Standing Committees
Committees meet regularly to work on specific aspects of
Historic Seattle's mission and to develop recommendations for
consideration by the full Council. Committees are made up of
PDA Council and Foundation Board members, as well as interested
community members.
- Project Development - Identifies opportunities to preserve
and rehabilitate historic structures and provides oversight
for project development. The Committee meets monthly or as
needed.
- Educational Programs - Works with staff to review and plan
educational lectures, tours and exhibits, and advises on
volunteer activities. The Committee meets quarterly.
Profiles of the individual Council members may be found at Council of the Preservation and Development Authority