November 9, 2021

City of Edmonds

After four decades of public service, including seven years in the role of economic and community services director for the city of Edmonds, Patrick Doherty announced plans to retire at the end of 2021. After earning both bachelor's and master's degrees in Urban Planning, Doherty started his career in the town of Los Gatos, California in September 1981, going on to serve in various other cities in the country before coming to Edmonds, but most notably for almost 17 years at the city of Seattle as its design review manager, and 13 years at the city of Federal Way as its community and economic development director. Initially appointed by Mayor Dave Earling, Doherty started with city of Edmonds in July of 2014 to serve as economic development and community services director. Initial responsibilities focused on tourism promotion, business attraction, stewardship of the former Strategic Action Plan, leading communications and PR, as well as intergovernmental relations and the city's lobbying efforts in Olympia and Washington, DC. Later, Doherty worked on the Diversity Commission, and with Arts and Culture Manager Frances Chapin to achieve Creative District designation of the greater Edmonds downtown area – the first such designation in Washington State. The recruitment process will begin shortly to fill vacant position. It is expected that process will culminate in the first part of the new year. Ultimately, the Mayor will appoint a new director, subject to City Council confirmation.