2 locals could join Tacoma Arts Commission, Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities

Two local residents could join two City of Tacoma commissions in April.

First, one local resident could soon be appointed to the Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities.

The 11-member panel consists of volunteers from Tacoma and Pierce County with a variety of experiences and expertise that advises Tacoma City Council in policy making, and partners with the community to bring awareness of issues that affect individuals with disabilities. In addition, commission members participate on committees, help educate the public about disability issues, and serve as a resource for City staff.

During a public meeting at 5 p.m. on Tues., April 14, at Tacoma City Hall, Tacoma City Council is expected to vote on a resolution to appoint Sheryl Ellis to the Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities to serve a term that will expire on Aug. 31, 2017. Copies of the resolution and staff memo are available online here and here, respectively.

To read the Tacoma Daily Index‘s complete and comprehensive coverage of the Tacoma Area Commission on Disabilities, click on the following links:

Second, one local resident could soon be appointed to the Tacoma Arts Commission.

The Tacoma Arts Commission consists of 15 volunteer members who are appointed by Tacoma City Council’s Economic Development Committee and confirmed by Tacoma City Council to serve three-year terms. Members are Tacoma residents who are arts advocates and artists. Providing leadership in supporting and enhancing the arts for the benefit of Tacoma and its residents, the primary responsibility of the Tacoma Arts Commission is to create policies supporting the ongoing development of arts programs and projects in Tacoma. Its primary programs include the funding of artists and arts organizations to provide services for the residents of Tacoma, Tacoma Arts Month, and oversight of public art as part of the Municipal Art Program.

The City of Tacoma issued a call for applicants earlier this year (see “City seeks applicants for Tacoma Arts Commission,” Tacoma Daily Index, Feb. 23, 2015). Tacoma City Council’s Economic Development Committee interviewed candidates during a public meeting in March, and forwarded its recommendation for appointment to the full council.

During a public meeting at 5 p.m. on Tues., April 14, at Tacoma City Hall, Tacoma City Council is expected to vote on a resolution to appoint Halley Knigge to the Tacoma Arts Commission to serve a term that will expire on Dec. 31, 2015, followed by a three-year term to expire on Dec. 31, 2018. Copies of the resolution and staff memo are available online here and here, respectively.

Finally, two local residents have been appointed to the City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee.

The nine-member committee consists of Tacoma residents, with representatives from each of Tacoma’s five Council Districts, who bring a range of perspectives and expertise that focus on the City’s commitment to celebrate civic engagement and special observations. The panel oversees City-hosted events and celebrations — such as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration and the City of Destiny Awards — by planning, reviewing, and evaluating events; engaging the community in its fund-raising efforts; and soliciting corporate and private sponsorships to leverage funds for these events. The committee consists of Tacoma residents recommended by Tacoma City Council’s Economic Development Committee and appointed by Tacoma City Council.

Tacoma City Council’s Economic Development committee interviewed candidates during a public meeting in March, and subsequently forwarded its recommendations for appointments to the full council.

During a public meeting on Tues., April 7, at Tacoma City Hall, Tacoma City Council appointed two people to the City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee: Lawrence Coleman to the District No. 5 position to serve a three-year term to expire on July 31, 2018, and Dion Thomas to the District No. 4 position to fill an unexpired term to expire on July 31, 2016.

To read the Tacoma Daily Index‘s complete and comprehensive coverage of the City of Tacoma’s Events and Recognitions Committee, click on the following links:

To read the Tacoma Daily Index‘s complete and comprehensive coverage of the City of Destiny Awards, click on the following links:

To read the Tacoma Daily Index‘s complete and comprehensive coverage of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. events and activities in Tacoma, click on the following links: