City managers to speak at Birch Bay Incorporation Association meeting

The Birch Bay Incorporation Association (BBIA) has invited two former city managers to provide input on the group’s research during its next meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday, May 15 at North Bay Community Church.

The association will have Bob Jean and Dave Wilbrecht speak and answer attendees’ questions.

Jean was the first city manager of Newcastle in King County and University Place outside of Tacoma. He also was involved in the city incorporations of Edgewood in 1993, Lakewood in 1994, Shoreline in 1994, Liberty Lake in 2001 and Spokane Valley in 2003. In addition, he advised Silverdale and Hazel Dell on incorporation, two communities that did not end up becoming cities. Now retired, Jean spent 35 years as city manager of seven cities and has served as president of the Washington City/County Management Association.

Wilbrecht served as city manager of Blaine from 2013 to 2018, and again as interim manager for six months in 2022. He also spent 35 years as city manager of Mammoth Lakes in California and currently serves as chairman of the board of commissioners for Blaine-Birch Bay Park and Recreation District 2.

Recordings of the association’s previous meetings, including its April 17 meeting that had a presentation from Birch Bay Water and Sewer District, are available on its website.

Questions and comments can be sent in advance to info@incorporatebirchbay.com.

North Bay Community Church is located at 4895 Birch Bay-Lynden Road. The meeting will also be streamed remotely via Zoom; for more information, visit wearebirchbay.org.