06/11/2026
I’d like to take a moment to thank everyone who answered my plea to help fill spots on the planning commission. It has been a long time since we have had a full commission and we received 5 applications for 3 openings.
If you want to have a more active say in the conversations Oak Harbor is having, we still have the following Board and commission openings (experience nice but not necessary, and not all require you to live in city limits):
Arts Commission (1): Help determine what future art pieces and programs the city will have, where they go, what the arts budget is spent on etc…
Historic Preservation Commission (2): identify and encourage conservation of historic resources, help maintain our historic registry, and raise community awareness of our history.
Lodging Tax Advisory Committee (3): This one is a little unique as it requires three individuals from hotel/lodging, and three individuals who are eligible to receive the funds (organizations that apply for LTAC grants). Typically the city releases around $450,000 in grants to help promote tourism. Help determine who will receive those grants. This one meets a few times a year during the grant cycle (typically mid/late summer to early fall).
Police Community Advisory Board (3): Have thoughts on local policing? Ideas on how we can improve? Want to help review new policies? This one is for you.
Salary Commission (1): Meets once or twice a year. Help set the salary for council and the mayor.
Unless otherwise mentioned, most meet once a month. The time commitment is small, but the impact can be large. Come join us on the dais, I would love to serve with you.
If you have someone else who you think might be a good fit, please share the information with them.
Here is the link to apply: https://wa-oakharbor.civicplus.com/FormCenter/Boards-Commissions-12/Boards-Commissions-Application-59