Monroe gets new community development director

Former city of Snoqualmie planner Ben Swanson was sworn in as Monroe’s new community development director on Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Mayor Geoffrey Thomas asked the city council to approve Swanson’s appointment, having interviewed several candidates and determining Swanson is “an excellent fit for what we are looking for here in Monroe.”

The former assistant planner for Monroe received his bachelor of arts in urban studies from the University of Washington, and spent six years in the U.S. Coast Guard where he racked up some supervisory experience, Thomas said.

Swanson has also worked for the city of Duvall. He assisted with the Duvall 2015 Periodic Update of the Comprehensive Plan (2015-2035), Duvall Shoreline Master Plan, Snoqualmie Shoreline Master Plan and Duvall Watershed Plan.

Swanson has a background in planning law and policy under the Growth Management Act and the State Environmental Policy Act, which provide guidelines for city planning. He is also a certified erosion and sediment control lead and certified floodplain manager, according to the bill.

The position was vacated by Dave Osaki, who resigned on Jan. 6. The city council unanimously approved Swanson’s appointment, and Monroe city clerk Elizabeth Adkisson swore him in the same evening. He said he was grateful for the opportunity.

The position is included in the city’s 2017 adopted budget for between $75,220 and $115,330.

Councilmember Patsy Cudaback said she had worked with Swanson briefly when she was newly elected.

“I really appreciated the work he did here, so I’ll be definitely by confirming his appointment,” she said. “I am glad to see him come back.”