Find Posts By Topic

Mayor Durkan seeks new member for International Special Review District Board

courtesy of Imgur

Mayor Jenny Durkan invites community members to apply for an open position on the International Special Review District Board. An elected position (Position #3 – Business owner, Property Owner, Employee) has become vacant, and in accordance with the Board’s Rules and Procedures, will be filled through a Mayoral appointment. 

The appointee will complete the remainder of the elected term, which ends November 30, 2020. Individuals who live in the District, are a member of a community organization, or demonstrate active interest in the community and have an interest in historic preservation are encouraged to apply.

The seven-member International Special Review District Board reviews façade alterations, signs, new construction, changes of use, and street improvements, and makes recommendations to the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods director for all properties within the International Special Review District. The goals of the board are to maintain architectural character, cultural heritage, social diversity, and through the use of historic preservation, enhance the economic climate in the International Special Review District.

Board meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month at 4:30 p.m. for one to three hours. In addition, board members may be asked to serve on an additional committee as the Board deems appropriate. In general, Board members must commit approximately five to six hours per month to Board business.

The ISRD Board is made up of five elected members and two members who are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by Seattle City Council. The five elected members consist of:

  • Two members who own property in the Chinatown International District or who own or are employed by businesses located in the Chinatown International District.
  • Two members who are either residents (including tenants) or persons with a recognized and demonstrated interest in the welfare of the Chinatown International District community.
  • One member-at-large.

Interested applicants must be Seattle residents. Board members serve without compensation. Those interested in being considered should send a letter of interest and resume by Friday, September 13, 2019. Electronic submissions are preferred, if possible.

Please email your letter and resume to: rebecca.frestedt@seattle.gov (reference the International Special Review District in the subject line). To submit a paper copy, please address:

Rebecca Frestedt
International Special Review District
Seattle Department of Neighborhoods
P.O. Box 94649
Seattle, WA, 98124-4649

For more information, contact Rebecca Frestedt at (206) 684-0226.


The City of Seattle is committed to promoting diversity in the city’s boards and commissions. Women, persons with disabilities, sexual and gender minorities, young persons, senior citizens, persons of color, and immigrants are encouraged to apply.