Edmonds council creates city administrator role, eliminates CCED director slot; hire steps to follow

On July 8 the Edmonds City Council voted 4–3 to approve creating a City Administrator position and to eliminate the Community, Culture and Economic Development (CCED) director position; the council also directed that the current CCED director be appointed to the new City Administrator position and that the corresponding employment contract be returned to council for approval at a later meeting.

Mayor Mary Rosen framed the change as an organizational step intended to provide institutional continuity and professional management at the senior level. Council President Tibbitt moved the main motion; she and several councilmembers said a City Administrator would provide consistent management across transitions in elected leadership and help coordinate complex departments and enterprise lines such as public safety, public works, parks and planning.

Several councilmembers opposed the change or sought modifications. Councilmember Nand proposed a 12-month trial/probationary amendment to evaluate the structure’s efficiency; that amendment failed. Councilmember Chen proposed delaying funding until January 2026 so the administration could preserve in-year economic-development capacity; that amendment also failed. Councilmember Payne moved and the council considered an amendment to change the elimination of the CCED director to a vacancy (retain the position on the chart but unfilled); that amendment failed 3–4.

City Attorney advice during the discussion noted that approving a job description at this meeting would not by itself authorize a hire; a separate step amending the city FTE ordinance and approval of an employment contract are required before a hire is finalized. The council majority approved the organizational change 4–3; staff said they will return with the FTE ordinance change and a proposed employment contract for council approval.