Pierce County council approves stipend program to reduce financial barriers for low‑income board members

Pierce County Council on Tuesday adopted an ordinance to create a new county code chapter that allows limited daily stipends and expense reimbursement for low‑income residents appointed to county boards, commissions and similar advisory groups.

The ordinance, O2025‑513, directs county staff to establish a Community Engagement Financial Support program under a new Pierce County Code Chapter 2.4 and sets an effective date of Sept. 1, 2025.

County staff told the council the change responds to a 2022 performance audit showing underrepresentation of lower‑income residents and younger people on county advisory bodies. Keri Waterland, staff for council, summarized the ordinance as creating “community engagement financial support” and described the audit findings that two‑thirds of board members reported incomes above $100,000 while roughly 30% of county residents earn less than $50,000 annually.

Under the ordinance, eligible appointees who meet a low‑income threshold…