Across a 40-year career, Scott built expertise in engineering, development, municipal operations, and organizational leadership that helped shape his collaborative approach to serving the Washougal community

The city of Washougal announced today that City Manager David Scott will retire on April 15, 2027, concluding nearly 17 years of service to the Washougal community and a distinguished 40-year career in local government.

Scott worked alongside federal and state legislative delegations, mayors, city councils, city staff, regional partners, federal and state agencies, and community members to guide Washougal through organizational change, significant community growth, long-range planning efforts, and transformative infrastructure investments.

“Serving the Washougal community has been the greatest privilege of my professional life,” Scott said. “I am incredibly proud of what our city team, elected leaders, community partners, and residents have accomplished together over the past 17 years. As I prepare for retirement, I remain focused on advancing the city’s strategic priorities, supporting major infrastructure projects, and ensuring a smooth transition for the next city manager.”

A legacy of collaboration and investment

During his Scott’s tenure, the city adopted its first strategic plans, launched the Washougal Citizen Academy, strengthened regional partnerships, successfully transitioned to a council-manager form of government, partnered with the city of Camas to establish the new Regional Fire Authority, and secured millions of dollars in competitive state and federal funding for community priorities.

Among the most significant achievements of Scott’s tenure was securing an over $40 million federal Railroad Crossing Elimination Grant through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for the 32nd Street Railroad Crossing project — one of the largest awards made nationwide through the program. The nationally competitive award will improve safety, reduce congestion, strengthen emergency response, and enhance regional freight mobility.

Working with elected officials, city staff, and community partners, Scott also helped advance major investments in parks, downtown revitalization, the waterfront, transportation infrastructure, utility systems, a new fire station and other capital improvements that will benefit the community for decades to come.

Mayor David Stuebe thanked Scott for his decades of public service and lasting contributions to the community.

“David’s leadership has helped shape Washougal into the city it is today,” 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. On behalf of the City Council and our community, I thank David for his service and wish him all the best in his retirement.”

Career in public service

Scott joined the city of Washougal in May 2010 as the city’s second city administrator. Following voters’ approval of the council-manager form of government, the City Council appointed him as Washougal’s first city manager in November 2018.

Before joining Washougal, Scott held leadership positions in community development, engineering, and municipal administration with the cities of Los Angeles, California; Tigard, Oregon; and Vancouver, Washington. Across a 40-year career in local government, he built expertise in engineering, development, municipal operations, and organizational leadership that helped shape his collaborative approach to serving the Washougal community.

Recruitment process

The Washougal City Council will announce the recruitment process and timeline for selecting the city’s next city manager at a later date. The Council is committed to a thoughtful and transparent transition that ensures continuity of leadership and continued progress toward the city’s strategic goals.

Information provided by the city of Washougal.