King County Public Health staff told the Board of Health on July 17 that recruitment is underway for an alternate board seat that will be vacant in 2026, and that state legislation expanding tribal and community representation will change the board's composition beginning in 2026.

What the board was told: Joy Kirkin Kazanti, Board of Health administrator, said House Bill 1946 expands board membership in 2026 to include the Snoqualmie Tribe, the Muckleshoot Tribe and the Seattle Indian Health Board and that the number of seats held by elected officials will expand so tribal and community seats equal elected-official seats. She said the alternate Patricia Iguatu’s term ends in 2025 and the county advertised the vacancy; the application period closes on July 22, 2025.

Recruitment timeline and process: Public Health reported seven applications had been received as of the morning of July 17. An eligibility review will precede interviews by a subset of board members (Barth Cipolli, De Castro, Chu, Mohammed and Chair Mosqueda’s team) in August or early September. The board expects to forward recommendations via three resolutions in October (appointment of the open alternate and reappointments for board members Daniels and Lou) so the King County Council can complete official appointments before the end of the year.

Board authority and next steps: Sam Porter, Council central staff, confirmed the Board of Health has authority to pass resolutions and make recommendations to the King County Council; the Council makes official appointments. The board will vote on recommendation resolutions in October and expects Council action later in 2025.

Bottom line: Recruitment is active and driven by statutory changes under HB 1946; the board will interview candidates and make recommendations to County Council this fall.