Council

Council Photo/Historic Seattle

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.

Advocacy Committee - meets monthly to monitor threats to historic structures and to advise the full Council on opportunities for preservation activism. The Advocacy Committee educates Council, staff, members and the public on preservation issues, and in accord with Historic Seattle's Advocacy protocols, advocates for preservation.
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.