Overview: Public Issues Committee (PIC)

• The Public Issues Committee (PIC), is composed of representatives from each SCA member city. Representatives and alternates are appointed by their respective cities.
• As the policy-making arm of SCA, PIC informs member cities about regional programs and policies while providing a forum to share concerns and perspectives.
• The PIC also makes recommendations to the SCA Board of Directors regarding appointments to regional boards and committees.

Getting Appointed to a Regional Board or Committee

• A call for nominations is issued each fall. The nominating committee, appointed annually by the PIC Chair, makes recommendations to the PIC. The PIC in turn makes recommendations to the Board of Directors, which makes final appointments by December 31.
• Additional calls for nominations are issued throughout the year to fill vacancies as they occur.
• Current open nominations and appointment information are posted on the SCA website.

Responsibilities of Board or Committee Members and Alternates

• Most regional boards and committees include an SCA caucus composed of all SCA appointees to that committee. Caucus meetings are scheduled ahead of each committee meeting and provide a forum to share concerns, coordinate positions, and prepare for collective decision-making.
• Attendance at both caucus and regional meetings is required for members and alternates. If an appointee misses 30% of meetings, SCA staff will follow up. Continued absence of 50% may result in the SCA Board of Directors requesting a resignation.
• When adopted by PIC and the Board, policy positions are binding. SCA appointees must adhere to these positions when participating in committee decisions. If no policy position exists, the SCA caucus may work to develop its own consensus. In rare cases where consensus cannot be reached, individual members may vote according to their conscience. In all cases, SCA appointees are expected to prioritize the shared interests of all member cities and should not support positions that would harm any member city, even if supported by a supermajority.

• See 2026 Board and Committee Agreement for additional details.

SCA Policy Staff

• SCA policy staff support appointees on SCA regional boards and committees and provide guidance on meeting formats, schedules, and related processes.
• SCA staff provide caucus materials, including annotated agenda and additional information not found in the full committee meeting packet.
• SCA policy staff advise appointees on policy issues, implications, and decision points to support informed participation and collective decision-making.
• Your policy staff at SCA build and maintain relationships with regional entities and serve as a liaison on behalf of members, bringing questions and considerations to staff at external committees and partner entities.