Olympia hires Susan McLaughlin as director of Community Planning and Economic Development

Susan McLaughlin was introduced to the Olympia City Council on March 18 as the city’s new director of Community Planning and Economic Development.

Jay Birney, city manager, introduced McLaughlin and told the council she is on her second day with the city. "She's on day 2 of her employment with the city of Olympia," Birney said. McLaughlin told the council she had reviewed council meetings and the city’s values and vision before accepting the position and said she was "honored to be here." She told council members, "it's been a fantastic 2 days," and said she looked forward to working on the comprehensive plan and community conversations.

According to Birney, McLaughlin most recently served as the planning director for the city of Edmonds and brings more than 25 years of government experience, including work in climate planning, land use, transportation, urban design and revitalization. Birney also mentioned McLaughlin’s experience in emergency response work in Christchurch, New Zealand.

Why it matters: The director of Community Planning and Economic Development will play a lead role in completing the city’s comprehensive plan, overseeing planning staff and engaging with community stakeholders on land use, transportation and climate policy.

Council Member Danny Madrone, who chairs the Land Use and Environment Committee, welcomed McLaughlin and offered to meet for coffee to discuss the comprehensive plan work.

Ending

McLaughlin said she was ‘‘excited to work under Jay’s leadership’’ and welcomed follow‑up conversations with council members as she settles into the role.