Spokane Valley seeking volunteers to serve on committees

Spokane Valley is searching for volunteers to serve on committees that weigh in on zoning and infrastructure issues and make recommendations on how the city spends its lodging tax money.

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee, which has five members, has two openings. That committee makes recommendations to the Spokane Valley City Council for how it spends tax money it receives from hotel stays. Last year, the committee recommended thousands of dollars in funding for organizations such as the Spokane County Fair and Expo Center, Crave, the Farmers Market, Valleyfest, HUB Sports Center and Visit Spokane.

The committee consists of two members who represent businesses that collect the tax, two members whose activities are authorized to be funded by the tax revenue, and one council member. Sam Wood is the current City Council representative.

The city is seeking one volunteer from a group that benefits from the tax and one from a business that collects it.

The city is also looking for a volunteer to serve on the Planning Commission, a board that makes recommendations to the City Council on how the city grows and develops.

There is one opening for a three-year term that will begin in January. Applicants should have an interest in city planning and land use, transportation and design, and the city itself.

The mayor nominates commission members and the City Council votes to confirm them. Applicants for both committees must apply by Dec. 6. Applications can be found on the volunteer page of the city’s website or contacting the City Clerk Chris Bainbridge at (509) 720-5102. Once completed, applications must be submitted to the city clerk.