Whatcom County Hires New Planning Director
Whatcom County has hired David Stalheim as their new Director of Planning and Development Services. Stalheim most recently was the Community Development Director for Ashland, Oregon. He also has previous experience by working for nine years as the community development director for Wenatchee and also served as the planning director for Clallam County for over five years.
Former Whatcom Planning Director Hal Hart resigned the position earlier this year. Stalheim will start in early November at a salary of $101,364.
Stalheim was scheduled to be present at Tuesday's Whatcom County Council meeting for his confirmation and to meet the council and community members.
Pete Kremen, Whatcom County Executive, said "Mr. Stalheim is a collaborator, he is knowledgeable, very experienced and has the skill set for moving this community forward".
Stalheim said family considerations figured into taking the Whatcom County position. “I am eager to return to Washington State where I have developed deep roots. Our family looks forward to becoming part of the community," he said.
While in Wenatchee, Stalheim is credited with bringing the city into compliance with the Growth Management Act and implementing the Geographic Information and permit tracking system. He also managed $5 million in grant funds for community centers, housing rehabilitation, parks and planning.
Kremen said it was a deliberate and focused search. “We wanted to make sure we got the right person and I believe we have. I am very excited about David taking over in planning." Sam Ryan had been acting as the planning director during the interim period.
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