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Committee approves RFQ process to select city hearing examiner

Land Use and Environment Committee, Olympia City Council · December 18, 2025

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Summary

The Land Use & Environment Committee approved a request-for-qualifications process to select the city's hearing examiner before the current contract expires in April 2026; members asked staff to include succession and plain-language communication in recruitment materials.

The Olympia Land Use & Environment Committee voted to approve a request-for-qualifications (RFQ) process to select the citys hearing examiner, with staff planning RFQ issuance in late December and interviews in February ahead of the April 2026 contract expiration.

Tim Smith, director of Community Planning and Economic Development, described the hearing examiners role: "The hearing examiner is under contract with the city to review many certain types of land use applications and appeals," a quasi-judicial position meant to separate regulatory hearings from the council's policy work.

Committee members emphasized succession and mentorship to expand the pool of qualified hearing examiners. One member asked the RFQ to encourage firms or applicants who can train younger practitioners or propose a pro tem backup. Smith said the recruitment will include a pro tem and staff will consider adding language about mentorship and clear public communication.

The committee also discussed asking candidates about plain-language communication to make decisions easier for the public to understand. The committee moved to approve the RFQ process as discussed; the motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Staff said the RFQ will follow the citys municipal-code process for selecting an examiner, include initial staff screening, and bring a shortlist of qualified candidates to the committee for interviews. The committee expects a recommendation to the full council after interviews.

Outcome: the committee approved advancing the RFQ; staff will circulate candidate materials and schedule interviews with finalists for a special meeting in February.