Help guide our digital future: Volunteers sought for Seattle’s Technology Board

Are you interested in helping shape city technology and city government telecommunications policies?  Mayor Mike McGinn and the City Council are seeking candidates for the Citizens’ Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB) for terms beginning in January, 2011.  The 10-member board advises City officials on issues of community-wide interest relating to telecommunications and technology, including broadband, digital divide issues, open government and community technology applications, online public engagement, and cable television.  Members serve a two-year term, must reside in Seattle and serve without compensation.  The city wants a wide range of technology experience and expertise. Seniors, women, people of color and those with disabilities are encouraged to apply. Deadline for applications is September 28, 2010.

For more information, contact Nicole Schultz at 206-386-1038 or Nicole.schultz@seattle.gov

The Citizens' Telecommunications and Technology Advisory Board (CTTAB) was established in 1995 by Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 21.60.060. Primarily, CTTAB Board members:

• Study and make recommendations to the Mayor and the City Council on issues of community-wide interest relating to telecommunications and technology, including cable television access, technology access, and regulatory issues within the City's authority regarding wire and wireless communication systems.  These issues are referred to the board by the Mayor and Councilmembers.
• Conduct hearings and workshops and make recommendations to the City regarding telecommunications and technology issues.
• Encourage and promote affordable access to and use of telecommunications and technology.
• Advocate, solicit, and facilitate citizen participation in telecommunications and technology decision making.*
• Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of telecommunications and technology policies and programs.

CTTAB meets the second Tuesday of every month from 6-8 p.m. in room 2750 of Seattle Municipal Tower. Agendas and meeting locations are posted on the Agendas page shortly before the meetings.

* If you would like to be on a CTTAB email list to receive agendas and finalized minutes, please click on http://www.seattle.gov/cable/comments.htm and fill in the comment box with "add to CTTAB list" and include the information requested below the box on the form.