Politics & Government

Shoreline's New Planning Director Markle Hired from Within

Rachael Markle selected as Shoreline's new Director of Planning & Community Development

Shoreline City Manager Julie Underwood has selected Rachael Markle to be the city’s new Director of Planning and Community Development. Markle’s selection is the culmination of an extensive search after it was announced that Joe Tovar, the former director, would be leaving the City.

“I’m excited to appoint Rachael as the city’s new planning and community development director,” Underwood said. “With her years of service at Shoreline, she has demonstrated competency in her profession, a high regard for our customer service values, and organizational teamwork and leadership.”

Markle has 17 years of professional experience in planning and community development and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Markle has been employed with the city for nearly 14 years, the past seven of which she has served as the assistant director of planning and community development. Prior to coming to Shoreline, Markle worked as a senior planner for the Coastal Georgia Regional Development Center. 

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Markle has managed such major projects as permitting and environmental review for the construction of the King County Brightwater regional sewage treatment system and the King County Hidden Lake sewer system upgrades in Shoreline. For the past seven years she has supervised the Code Enforcement Team, working with the City’s Code Enforcement Officer to address hundreds of safety and environmental issues throughout the City. She enjoys continually improving City codes to ensure clarity, ease of use and consistency.

“I have had the pleasure to work with many dedicated citizens, business owners and local leaders to plan for the City’s future,” Markle said. “I look forward to being even more involved in the community through my new position. The Community’s adopted Vision 2029 provides a wonderful road map for Planning and Community Development to follow. I am committed to its implementation.”

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Markle has a BS degree in political science/communications from Florida State University.

The City received over 100 applications for the position. Of those, 11 were chosen as semi-finalists to go through additional screening. After the additional screening, the City Manager chose six finalists to be interviewed by three panels. Two of those finalists removed their names from consideration before the interviews. The interview panels were made up of City staff, the City’s Leadership Team and a community panel made up of Shoreline residents. The final interview was with the City Manager.

“I appreciate everyone who participated in the selection process, especially the members of the community panel,” Underwood added. “They devoted time from their other commitments to volunteer for this effort.”

The community panel included Mark Bunje, Easton Craft, Barbara Guthrie, Jim Hills, Rob Matiko and Michelle Wagner.

Markle starts immediately as Director of Planning and Community Development.


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