The Federal Way City Council is accepting applications to fill vacant positions on four of the City's advisory groups. Seats are currently available for the following commissions and committee:

Diversity Commission

Two positions are open to fill unexpired terms ending 5/31/09. This 9-member group advises the City Council and staff on policy matters involving the community's cultural and ethnic differences, ensuring that these differences are considered in the decision-making process. The Commission is well known for its community involvement and cultural events.

The Diversity Commission meets on the 2nd Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

Parks and Recreation Commission

Two positions are open: one to fill an unexpired term ending 4/30/09 and one to fill an alternate seat with a term ending 4/30/10. The commission consists of at least nine members who advise the City Council and staff on policy matters involving acquisition, development and significant operational impacts of parks and recreation facilities and programs.

The Parks and Recreation Commission meets on the 1st Thursday of each month at 6:00 p.m.

Civil Service Commission

One position is open to fill a 5-year term expiring on 10/31/12. This commission consists of 5 members and 2 alternates appointed by the City Manager to exercise the powers and perform the duties established by state law in connection with the selection, appointment, promotion, demotion, and employment of commissioned officers below the rank of police commander.

The Civil Service Commission meets on the 1st Wednesday of each month at 7:00 p.m.

Lodging Tax Advisory Committee

Two positions are open to fill terms ending 10/31/09. One position must represent the local lodging industry and one position must be representative of persons involved in activities authorized to be funded by the city's lodging tax revenues (such as tourism, arts, cultural and/or sports organizations). Members of this committee advise the City Council on the allocation of lodging tax revenue for programs and activities that encourage tourism activity in Federal Way.

To be considered, applicants must be actively involved in the related businesses and/or organizations within the corporate limits of the city during their terms.

The Lodging Tax Advisory Committee meets on the 2nd Friday of each month at 8:00 a.m.

The deadline for submitting all applications is Friday, September 21, 2007.

Eligible candidates will be interviewed by the City Council at a special meeting to be announced.

Members of all Council Commissions serve without compensation.

Applications are available at City Hall, 33325 8th Ave. S., Federal Way, or may be downloaded from the City's website at www.cityoffederalway.com under Quick Links > Forms and Applications.

Return completed applications to the City Clerk's Office at P.O. Box 9718, Federal Way, WA 98063-9718. For more information, call 253-835-2540.