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December 31, 2025 Call for Applications for the Skagit County Climate Impact Advisory CommitteeThe Skagit County Board of Commissioners invites the community to submit applications for membership to the newly established Skagit County Climate Impact Advisory Committee. On December 15, 2025, the Board adopted rdinance No. 20250013, adopting new Skagit County Code (SCC) Title 2.22, establishing a Skagit County Climate Impact Advisory Committee (CIAC). As set forth by SCC 2.22.030, the CIAC’s purpose is as follows:
The principal purpose of the Committee is to collect, analyze and discuss vetted scientific publications and reports, on that basis providing recommendations to the Skagit County Board of Commissioners (Board) on issues related to climate change impact risk, risk reduction, and adaptation.
The Board intends that the Committee will bring together scientific, local and indigenous knowledge in collaborative, transparent dialogue, providing the Board with Skagit-specific climate risk assessment and policy options that are broadly accepted in the Skagit community, within the scope of the County's jurisdiction, authority and direct responsibilities. "As the last few weeks reminded us, the Skagit Valley is already subject to significant natural risk, and we need to know the possible future outlook for our community. The Skagit County Climate Impact Advisory Committee will help us plan for our future - strategically and transparently," said Commissioner Ron Wesen. "This Committee will play a key role in helping our community address serious challenges related to Skagit’s floodplain, flooding, and sea level rise, among other things," said Skagit County Board of Commissioners Chair Lisa Janicki. The CIAC ordinance reserves one seat for each of Skagit’s four federally recognized tribes, Skagit dike districts and Skagit drainage districts. Tribes and districts will select representatives to fill these specific committee seats. The CIAC will also include eight (8) committee seats open to application by any Skagit County resident meeting the requirements of SCC 2.22.040(8). In addition, the CIAC will also include one committee seat reserved for a citizen, unaffiliated with any governmental entity, principally involved in climate change advocacy and education in Skagit County, per SCC 2.22.040(7). The Board seeks applicants for these nine (9) seats. How to Apply Interested citizens can apply for the CIAC by submitting an application through the portal on our website. Applications are due by Friday, January 30th, at 4:30 p.m. Only applications received before the deadline will be considered. After the application period closes, the Board will select committee members by resolution. "We have some incredibly smart and accomplished people here in Skagit. The Board and our community need help better understanding Skagit flooding, sea level rise, and other major environmental challenges ahead of us," said Commissioner Peter Browning. Questions, comments, or concerns can be emailed to commissioners@co.skagit.wa.us. |
