This is the end of an era for planning consultants at MRSC. At the end of January, I am following Sue Enger into retirement. This is a bittersweet time for me, as I have truly enjoyed working with local governments in Washington and with the fine, dedicated staff at MRSC for more than 20 years.
I’ve worn two hats at MRSC. I started as a library intern, fresh out of a graduate program in library and information science, and, after a stint as a librarian, I was offered a planning consultant position. Before I pursued my interest in the library world, I had many years of local government planning experience both as staff and as a consultant. MRSC was the ideal place for me to land, as I could hone my new research skill while continuing to draw upon my planning background. Eventually I realized that my heart was in planning and environmental issues, and I was lucky to have the opportunity at MRSC to focus on these in a planning consultant slot.
Here are a few highlights of my time at MRSC
- It’s been a thrill to participate in the development of the MRSC website from its early years and to see it grow into a rich resource for local government information, with a contemporary web design and structure.
- Drawing upon the knowledge gained during my time at MRSC, I was honored to play a key role in developing MRSC’s first strategic plan in 2013 and grateful to have the chance to see it being implemented.
- I’ve learned a lot answering myriad questions on growth management, comprehensive planning, the intricacies of zoning codes and impact fees, environmental issues, and much more. I deeply respect the role of local governments who accomplish so much with limited resources. You deal with the day-to-day intricacies of permit processing and balance short-term needs with a long-term vision for communities, all the while working to serve the public interest.
- Another rewarding aspect of working at MRSC has been the opportunity to collaborate with staff on a wide range of projects and to bridge lines of communications among staff, particularly between the library/IT team and the policy consultants.
I’m going to miss working with local government planners, other staff, and local officials on a daily basis. I admire your dedication to public service and to making Washington’s communities a better place to live. It’s been enormously gratifying to receive so much positive feedback from clients. I’ve never worked in a place where staff gets so much appreciation from those we assist.
Most of all, though, I will miss the wonderful, talented group of people at MRSC. Thank you all and keep up the great work!
