City Administrator’s Office

Responsibilities

The city administrator serves as the professional administrator of the City of Monroe and is responsible for the city's day-to-day operations and departments. The city administrator works closely with the City Council and the Mayor and helps implement policies and city ordinances that the City Council establishes.

The city administrator works closely with citizens, community organizations, private sector individuals and businesses, and other agencies to ensure a cohesive working relationship with the City.                                                                                                                 

Meet the City Administrator

Deborah Knight has a strong background in public administration and a passion for community development. With an undergraduate degree in Economics from the University of California, Davis, and a Master's Degree in Business Administration, from City University, Deborah brings a unique blend of economic acumen and managerial expertise to her role.

Deborah's career in public service began in 1995 when she joined the City of Woodinville. Over her 11-year tenure, she gained valuable experience in various departments, including the Public Works department and the City Manager's office. In the latter role, Deborah successfully managed critical areas such as human resources, information technology, capital project planning, and special projects including Woodinville’s first Salmon Recovery Plan.

In pursuit of new challenges, Deborah accepted a position as City Administrator with the City of Sultan. Here, she played a pivotal role in transitioning the city from an in-house police department to a contract for service with the Snohomish County Sheriff's Office. Additionally, she was instrumental in helping the city achieve compliance with its comprehensive plan, ensuring sustainable growth and development. In 2012, Deborah joined the City of Stanwood as City Administrator. Here she spearheaded the acquisition of the Ovenell and Johnson properties using Conservation Future Grant Funds and oversaw the successful completion of the Cedar Home walking path and the SR522 walking path, leveraging state grant funds to enhance the city's recreational infrastructure.

In 2017, Deborah' assumed the role of Monroe's City Administrator under Mayor Geoffrey Thomas. Collaborating closely with Mayor Thomas, the City's Senior Leadership Team, and staff, Deborah launched Choose Monroe, a bi-annual marketing magazine aimed at promoting local businesses and fostering economic growth. She also played a pivotal role in designing and installing new gateway and wayfinding signs. Moreover, she played a key role in adopting a new vision statement for Monroe - "Imagine Monroe," reflecting the city's aspirations for the future. The city is actively aligning its brand and logo with this vision, ensuring consistency and reinforcing its commitment to progress.

Throughout her career, Deborah has consistently demonstrated her core values of stewardship, initiative, optimism, empathy, and empowerment. These values drive her decision-making process and have enabled her to foster collaborative relationships with community partners, empower her teams, and effectively serve the communities she works with.

Current Projects

Deborah is committed to leaving the city in a better state than she found it. She is focused on various aspects of community development and ensuring the well-being of residents.

Stabilizing Finances and Debt Repayment: Deborah is actively working towards stabilizing the city's finances to pay off the North Kelsey Debt. By implementing effective financial strategies, she aims to strengthen the city's economic position and promote fiscal responsibility.

Remodeling City Hall and Police Department: Recognizing the importance of efficient and modern facilities, Deborah is overseeing the remodeling of City Hall and the Police Department. These renovations will enhance functionality and improve the working environment for city staff and officials.

Securing Land Entitlements for North Kelsey: Deborah is dedicated to securing the necessary land entitlements for the North Kelsey area. This initiative aims to support future development and ensure responsible growth in the city.

Establishing a Human Services Division: In order to support vulnerable residents, Deborah is actively involved in creating the city's human services division. This initiative will provide essential support and resources to those in need, fostering a compassionate and inclusive community.

Building a Solid Team and Reinforcing Core Values: Deborah's focus also extends to building a strong and cohesive team within the city administration. She aims to ensure that the staff is united in their commitment to the core values of the organization, fostering a positive reputation and effective representation of the community.

Looking to the Future

Deborah envisions that in the next five years, the community fully embraces the "Imagine Monroe" concept, creating a safe and inclusive environment where everyone feels at home. Additionally, she aims to establish a "continuum of care" for individuals facing homelessness, mental health issues, and substance abuse disorders.

In the next decade, Deborah hopes to witness significant progress, including the completion of projects such as Trombley Park and the festival lot. Furthermore, she aspires to ensure affordable housing for all who seek it and maintain Monroe's reputation as a safe community with excellent parks and strong neighborly connections.

Upcoming Projects and Emerging Trends

Some of the projects on the horizon include identifying and acquiring park property to meet future demand and developing a comprehensive care system for individuals with mental health and substance abuse disorders. She believes that implementing innovative approaches, such as adding community service officers or establishing a behavioral health unit within the police department, will be essential in addressing the growing mental and behavioral health needs of the community. Additionally, Deborah recognizes the changing nature of employment and the need to adapt to new labor market trends. 

Deborah Knight is committed to leading Monroe toward a prosperous future, where the city's values are upheld, residents are supported, and the community thrives.