The SCCD is governed by a five member Board of Supervisors comprised of locally appointed or elected officials who serve without pay. As public officials representing landowners and the general public, Supervisors assume a leadership position within the district by providing direction in the community's natural resource programs. (See below for more about the Board.)

The SCCD Board of Supervisors hold regularly scheduled meetings to conduct the business of the District. Meetings are open to the public and guests are always welcome. All meetings are held at the SCCD headquarters at 210 North Havana Street in Spokane, unless otherwise noted on the meeting calendar. Meetings typically occur on the second Tuesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. Meeting agendas and minutes are available through the Web site or by contacting the SCCD.

Supervisor Elections and Appointments

Participate in the future of conservation!  Participate in selecting the Board of Supervisors or seek office yourself!

What is the Board of Supervisors?
The SCCD is governed by a five-member Board of Supervisors comprised of local landowners or residents who represent other landowners and the general public without pay. Supervisors assume a leadership position within the District by providing direction in the community's natural resource programs. The Board provides guidance to staff on policies, plans and priorities for natural resource conservation and assistance to citizens in the county. The SCCD Board holds monthly meetings and Supervisors participate on one or more committees, which meet on an ‘as-needed’ basis. Additional time is spent reviewing materials and occasionally attending special functions.

Supervisors serve three-year terms. Three of the positions are elected and two of the positions are appointed by the Washington State Conservation Commission.

Who is eligible to serve on the Board?
All registered voters who own or occupy land within the District, which includes all land within Spokane County except for land within the city limits of Deer Park, are eligible to run for office. Citizens living within the city limits of Deer Park may hold office if they also own land within the District boundaries.

Who is eligible to vote?
All registered voters who own or occupy land within the District, which includes all land within Spokane County except for within the city limits of Deer Park, are eligible to vote. Citizens living within the city limits of Deer Park may also vote if they also own land within the District boundaries.

How can you run for office?
For elected positions, a Nominating Petition (Adobe Acrobat file) must be signed by at least 25 registered voters. This petition must be verified by the County Auditor at least 15 days prior to the election. It is recommended that the petition be submitted to the Conservation District at least 25 days prior to the election (typically by late January or early February, depending on the specific date of the election). For more information, see the Election Guidelines from the State Conservation Commission.

Appointed positions require the submission of a Recommendation for Appointed Supervisor form (Adobe Acrobat file) to the Washington State Conservation Commission by March 31st of the year in which an appointed term expires. Since there are two appointed position which serve three year terms, an appointment does not occur every year. In 2008, there will be an expiring term.

When and where are elections held?
Elections are held during the first quarter of each year, typically in the first half of March. The specific date in announced early in the year. For 2008, the election will take place on March 11th. Ballots must be submitted at the District office located at 210 North Havana Street, Spokane between 7:30 a.m. and 5:15 p.m. If you prefer to mail in a ballot, contact the District at 535-7274 for details.

Elections for District Supervisors are separate elections not held in conjunction with the general election. State law requires District elections be held during the first quarter of the year and regulations provide for the separate election process. Cost is also a factor.  The cost of conducting elections on the general ballot would be at least $40,000.
 
Are there other ways to participate in District governance?
If you are interested in joining the Board but want to learn more first or just don't want to run for office, you can seek appointment as an Associate Supervisor. Associate Supervisors are officially appointed by the Board as advisors to broaden the Board's range of expertise and to assist with programs. The District may recruit an unlimited number of Associate Supervisors.

Contact one of the current Board members or Vicki Carter at the District office (509) 535-7274 to learn more.