Washougal’s city manager David Scott to retire

WASHOUGAL — David Scott helped secure federal funding for Washougal’s long-awaited 32nd Street rail crossing project, one of the defining accomplishments of his 17 years leading the city. But when asked what he’s proudest of, the retiring city manager doesn’t cite roads or buildings. He credits the city employees who deliver services to residents every day.

“What I’m most proud of isn’t a physical project. It’s the team we’ve built within our city staff,” Scott said. “Community service is our highest priority, and after working in four municipalities over 40 years, I can say ‘Team Washougal’ ranks among the very best.”

Scott announced last week that he will retire as city manager on April 15.

“My wife and I identified the 2026-27 time frame for this transition, but it was equally important that the timing worked for Washougal,” he said. “April 2027 strikes that balance.”

Scott worked with elected officials, city staff, regional partners, state and federal agencies and community members to guide Washougal through organizational change, significant growth, long-range planning and major infrastructure investments, according to a news release.

“Local government is the level where services directly impact the day-to-day lives of community members. Being able to play a role in creating tangible, positive community-wide impacts is incredibly inspiring and rewarding,” Scott said. “While the work is complex and varied — which is professionally motivating — it is truly the people who have made this journey meaningful.”

The city adopted its first strategic plans, launched the Washougal Citizen Academy, transitioned to a council-manager form of government, partnered with the city of Camas to establish a regional fire authority and secured millions of dollars in state and federal funding for community priorities during Scott’s tenure, the news release states.

“David steadied the city and set us on a positive path forward,” said Rose Jewell, the city’s community engagement manager. “Throughout his tenure, he has led city staff with integrity, professionalism and vision. He was instrumental in developing the city’s first strategic plan, providing a road map for decision-making. Under his leadership, the city has remained focused on strengthening essential services, responsibly managing growth, promoting government transparency, enhancing communication with the community and expanding meaningful community engagement.”

Washougal secured a $40 million federal Railroad Crossing Elimination grant for its 32nd Street rail crossing project in 2023. The project was conceived as an underpass but will instead move forward as an overpass. It aims to improve safety, reduce congestion, strengthen emergency response and enhance regional freight mobility, according to the city.

“David’s leadership has helped shape Washougal into the city it is today,” Washougal Mayor David Stuebe said. “His steady guidance through organizational change, his commitment to long-term planning, and his success in securing resources for transformational community projects have positioned Washougal for continued success.”

Scott held leadership positions in community development, engineering and municipal administration with the cities of Los Angeles, Tigard, Ore. and Vancouver before joining the city of Washougal in May 2010 as the city’s second city administrator. He became Washougal’s first city manager in 2018 after voters approved the council-manager form of government.

“I hope people in Washougal will remember me as someone who did his absolute best to have a positive influence, who took the work very seriously but didn’t take himself too seriously,” he said.

The Washougal City Council will announce the recruitment process and timeline for selecting the city’s next city manager at a later date.