Shoreline City Manager Robert L. Olander announces retirement

Shoreline City Manager Robert L. Olander announced his retirement to City Council at their meeting on Monday, August 9. Olander, who has served as City Manager since 2006, will retire in February 2011.

Olander leaves a legacy of outstanding leadership after serving the City in various capacities since 2002. He was appointed Shoreline City Manager in March of 2006 after serving as Shoreline’s Deputy City Manager from May 2002 to December 2005 and Interim City Manager from January 2006 until his appointment as City Manager.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the City of Shoreline for these past nine years,” Olander stated in his letter to Council. “I would like to thank this and past City Councils for entrusting me with the opportunity and the obligation of helping to lead this great City. I would also like to express my appreciation to the citizens of Shoreline for their participation and support in so many City endeavors and projects.”

Under Olander’s direction, with leadership from Council, the City of Shoreline has accomplished a number of noteworthy goals including improvements to rights of way, parks, surface water and City facilities.

“Mr. Olander will leave a legacy at the City of Shoreline that we can all be proud of,” stated Shoreline Mayor Keith McGlashan. “During his tenure the City has accomplished a great deal; the impacts of which will be felt for decades to come. In addition, Mr. Olander receives high praise from City employees for fostering a working environment built on mutual trust and respect. It has been a great pleasure working with him.”

When Olander retires in February, he will have overseen the completion of major park improvements and open space acquisitions that were part of the City’s 2006 Parks Bond; the substantial completion of the first two miles of the $120 million Aurora Corridor Project; and the construction of a new City Hall, which was recently awarded LEED Gold status.

During Olander’s tenure, the City of Shoreline has consistently been recognized as a great place to live, both by residents and outside sources. A 2008 citizen survey showed that 93% of Shoreline residents rated the City as an excellent or good place to live, and Money Magazine, Seattle magazine and Seattle Metropolitan magazine have all ranked Shoreline as a “best place to live” city.

Olander’s 30 years of experience in city government include 14 years with the City of Des Moines—seven years as City Manager and seven years as Assistant City Manager. He also served as City Manager for the cities of Ocean Shores and Anacortes.

Olander holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Washington.

--City of Shoreline

Related article: Evan Smith: Shoreline City Manager to Retire in February