Want to serve your community?

Join the board of directors

We are currently seeking new board members

We’re growing! If you represent a business owner, property owner, or a resident, please apply by January 5, 2025. Once received, the Board will consider your application and will contact you with next steps. We are especially seeking commercial tenants with triple net leases to ensure compliance with our ordinance. See below for details:

Apply now

The 15th Avenue East Business Improvement Area (BIA)

The 15th Avenue East BIA became a designated business district in 2021 by the Seattle City Council, assessing ratepayers and providing services to residents, businesses, and all who live, work, and play along 15th Avenue East. From East Mercer Street to East Denny Way, the BIA provides cleaning, graffiti removal, and other related services as well as tree and rooftop lighting, activation, and advocacy. The 15th Avenue East Merchants Association manages the BIA. The board meets every other month.

Role Summary

Board members serve as directors of the 15th Avenue East Merchants Association and de facto overseers of the BIA, which is not an incorporated entity. They are responsible for providing governance, financial oversight, and strategic guidance to the 15th Avenue East Merchants Association/BIA and are expected to act in good faith, exercise sound judgment, and act in the best interests of the BIA at all times.

Key Responsibilities

  • Governance

    • Provide oversight of the program manager or administrator as they conduct the business of the Merchants Association/BIA.

    • Provide informed oversight of the BIA’s finances, operations, and compliance as a city-sanctioned BIA and nonprofit.

  • Board and Committee Service

    • Attend and participate in at least four of six Board meetings annually, as well as the BIA annual stakeholder meeting.

    • Volunteer for at least one BIA event each year.

    • Serve on one or more Board committees as appointed and fulfill committee responsibilities with diligence and reliability.

    • If representing an entity (small business, property owner, etc), do so reliably and with transparency.

Qualifications & Expectations

  • Ability to exercise independent judgment and sound decision-making.

  • Willingness to ask thoughtful questions and seek additional information when appropriate.

  • Commitment to ethical conduct, confidentiality, and responsible governance.

  • Understanding of nonprofit governance (or willingness to learn).

  • Past experience on community or nonprofit boards is welcomed but not required.

If you have questions, please email admin@15thaveeast.com.