Created in 1997, the Community Oversight Panel (formerly the Citizen Oversight Panel, or COP) independently monitors Sound Transit and its commitment to build and operate the region's high-capacity transit system.
The Sound Transit Board of Directors appoints and tasks COP members with asking hard questions, reviewing details and reporting findings back to the board. Its 15 volunteers represent a variety of interests, professional expertise and experience.
The COP monitors Sound Transit's performance in the following areas:
- Community engagement activities
- Project planning and alignment decisions
- Budget and financial plan
- Project schedule and budget adherence
- Agency performance audits
- Social justice and equity
- Passenger experience
Click here to view the COP’s Guiding Principles.
Stay up-to-date with COP
Subscribe to our email list to receive updates when the COP posts agendas, materials, reports, and other related content.
COP meetings
Community Oversight Panel meetings are the second Wednesdays of each month from 5:30 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Additional COP or Community Oversight Panel Task Force meetings take place as needed. Currently, the meetings are taking place virtually.
COP members
The Sound Transit Board appoints panel members to serve three-year terms. They appoint at least two members from each of the five geographic subareas of the Sound Transit District. The board appointed the first panel in February 1997.
Learn more about current panel members.
Current panel openings
There are currently two positions from Snohomish County subarea, two positions from the North King County subarea, two positions from the South King County subarea, one position from the Pierce County subarea, and one position from the East King County subarea available on the panel. Please apply - Sound Transit relies on the oversight and insight of this dedicated and independent group of volunteers.
COP reports
The panel reports its findings and suggested improvements to the board on behalf of the region's residents. The COP's vigilance, continuous feedback and constructive suggestions help ensure the success of Sound Transit.