Welcome to Skagit County
June 17th, 2010
Skagit County Commissioners
seek applications for Envision Skagit 2060 Citizen Committee
SKAGIT COUNTY - Skagit County is seeking letters of interest from residents
of the county - including its rural communities, cities, towns and tribes -
to serve on a Citizen Committee considering the future of Skagit County.
The 12-15 member Citizen Committee will work together to develop a broadly supported,
forward-looking vision (or "preferred future") for Skagit County through
2060. The committee will craft recommendations for a "preferred future"
drawing on broad community input and information gained from the evaluation
of several alternative future scenarios.
Envision Skagit 2060, formerly known as the Skagit Alternative Futures project,
is a collaborative effort involving Skagit County cities, towns, tribes, and
numerous local and regional organizations. The project is funded with grants
from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and substantial in-kind contributions
from Skagit County and other participating organizations.
"We want to signal our desire to work with all members of the community
to shape a future for the Skagit Valley that we can proudly pass on to our children,
their children and grandchildren," says Sharon Dillon, chair of the Skagit
County Board of Commissioners. "An important step is selecting a Citizen
Committee that reflects the general citizenry of the county - in terms of geography,
age, ethnicity, vocation, and diverse visions for the future."
The Citizen Committee will be selected by the County Commissioners and the Mayors
of Anacortes, Burlington, LaConner, Mount Vernon and Sedro-Woolley. The committee,
with support from project staff, will work between September 2010 and June 2011
to develop a long-term vision of the Skagit landscape and specific steps to
implement that vision.
The project will ultimately recommend changes to Skagit County's land use plans
and policies. The County Commissioners hope that other participating jurisdictions
and organizations will also consider implementing the project's recommendations.
"The project's recommendations will be shared with and shaped by the broad
community, including cities and towns, tribes, and various interest groups,"
says Commissioner Ken Dahlstedt. "We're very interested in working with
our partners to develop and consider recommendations that advance their long-term
goals."
Citizens interested in serving on the Envision Skagit 2060 Citizen Committee
are encouraged to apply by submitting a letter of interest describing their
background, interests, and reasons for wanting to serve on the committee. Two
references are also required. Letters of interest along with reference contact
information should be submitted by 4:30 p.m. on July 9, 2010 to Emma Whitfield
at emmaw@co.skagit.wa.us or to 1800
Continental Place, Mount Vernon, Washington 98273.
Skagit County is looking for a broad spectrum of applicants, including youth.
To emphasize the citizen focus of this committee, applicants are not eligible
if they are full-time paid elected officials, staff to the county, cities, towns
and tribes, or are applying as full-time paid employees of organizations involved
in advocacy on behalf of conservation, natural resource, or economic development
interests.
Further information regarding the role of the Citizens Committee, requirements,
selection criteria, and the selection process can be found at: www.skagitcounty.net/envisionskagit
For further information,
contact:
Emma Whitfield
Skagit County Public Information Officer
Phone: 360.336.9410 Ext. 3152
emmaw@co.skagit.wa.us