Susan McLaughlin joins Olympia as Community Planning and Economic Development director

With a background in climate planning and emergency response, Susan McLaughlin joins Olympia to helm the Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED).  

At a council meeting held on Tuesday, March 18, Olympia City Manager Jay Burney introduced McLaughlin as the new CPED director.  

A former planning director for the City of Edmonds, McLaughlin has more than 25 years of experience, including a background in climate planning and land use, transportation, urban design and revitalization. She also has experience in emergency response stemming from her time in Christchurch, New Zealand.  

It was McLaughlin's second day at work. The first public meeting she attended as CPED director was at the Finance Committee on Monday, March 17.

"It has been a fantastic two days. Olympia has an amazing and dedicated staff. It has been uplifting to meet the folks so dedicated to shaping the city," she said. 

Having already reviewed the council meetings and the city's values, McLaughlin said she was attracted "to not only apply for the position but to accept ... a commitment to help share the city and the community wants." 

McLaughlin was looking forward to many community conversations about the comprehensive plan.

"I am looking forward to completing that work, and other exciting bodies of work," she said.

The city council members welcomed McLaughlin and said they looked forward to working with her.