Last council meeting for City Administrator Pete Rose

Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Pete Rose with the Lake Forest Park City Council and Mayor on March 22, 2018. From left, Phillippa Cassover, John Resha, Rose, Mayor Jeff Johnson, Semra Riddle, Deputy Mayor Catherine Stanford, Tom French. Mark Phillips not pictured.


Pete Rose celebrated his retirement with a reception from City staff, councilmembers, and members of the public.

He is leaving his position as City Administrator of Lake Forest Park after almost six years. He came to the City while it was still recovering from the Recession and there was serious disagreement about how to handle the finances.

A display of Rose's certifications and awards
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

He leaves with finances in solid shape, and the respect of Mayors and councilmembers.

During his term of office, the city completed major public works projects, acquired and improved parks, and embarked on the ambitious Big 5 projects.

He came to LFP as a deeply experienced and successful public manager, having over 30 years of experience. His previous job was County Administrator of San Juan County, where he served from 2006 to 2012.

Before that, he was the City Manager for Woodinville for over 8 years.

Mayor Johnson congratulates Pete Rose
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

When he submitted his notice of planned retirement in the middle of 2017, he said,

“I appreciate the opportunity that you, the Council and your predecessors, have given me to serve here. It has been a period of recovery from the recession, with some noteworthy accomplishments, and the City is now engaged in planning for the future Lake Forest Park.

"The City is setting the footing for many building blocks for the future and those blocks will bring about others. It is my hope that this is just the dawn of great things for Lake Forest Park.

"At some point in a career, there is a time when one is there for the laying of the keel and not there for the launching of the ship. That time has come for me. 

"I will do my best in the coming months to help you and the City governance structure to lay that groundwork. Best of luck in launching the future Lake Forest Park.

"Thanks to all for your support.”

The City Administrator reports to and is under the direction of the Mayor. The city administrator acts as the chief administrative officer and administrative supervisor of the city government. The city administrator is responsible for overseeing and coordinating all city departments, programs, and activities.

His replacement, Phillip Hill, starts on Monday, March 26. 2018.