TO: Members of the City Council
FROM: Mayor Angela Birney
DEPARTMENT DIRECTOR CONTACT(S):
Executive
Malisa Files, COO
425-556-2166
Human Resources
Cathryn Laird, Human Resources Director
425-556-2125
DEPARTMENT STAFF:
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N/A
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TITLE:
title
Council Vacancy Final Interviews
OVERVIEW STATEMENT:
recommendation
With the resignation of a Councilmember, the remaining Council has 90 days to appoint a new member to carry out the vacant term. Materials were emailed to Council prior to the December 9, 2025, Committee of the Whole - Finance, Administration, and Communications meeting. Initial interviews were held on January 13, 2026, at a Special Meeting.
body
? Additional Background Information/Description of Proposal Attached
REQUESTED ACTION:
? Receive Information ? Provide Direction ? Approve
REQUEST RATIONALE:
* Relevant Plans/Policies:
Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 35A.12
* Required:
Filling a Council vacancy within 90 days is required by Washington law.
* Council Request:
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* Other Key Facts:
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OUTCOMES:
The proposed Council recruitment process was discussed at the Study Session on November 12 and again at Committee of the Whole on November 18. Applications were due back to the City by January 2nd at noon.
As discussed on November 18th, a small group of Councilmembers and staff met to solidify the details of the screening and ranking process. Before December 9th Council received materials via email based on the recommendations of the small group. Following the initial interviews on January 13, 2026, the Council voted on the candidates who would advance to the final interviews. The top candidate will be sworn in at the January 20, 2026, Business Meeting, filling the vacancy of Council position #1.
COMMUNITY/STAKEHOLDER OUTREACH AND INVOLVEMENT:
* Timeline (previous or planned):
The process and meeting timeline is included as Attachment A.
* Outreach Methods and Results:
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* Feedback Summary:
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BUDGET IMPACT:
Total Co...
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