The SeaTac City Council approved a contract for the City’s new city manager at its December 10 regular meeting and officially hired Jonathan Young for the position. He assumed his role as city manager on Thursday, Jan. 16, 2025.
“We welcome Jonathan Young to the City of SeaTac. We are confident he is the right leader to move our City toward our goals: to build safe, connected neighborhoods, affordable housing, access to public spaces, and effective City government,” said Mayor Mohamed Egal.
The Hiring Process
The decision was made after a several-month, nationwide search by an executive search firm. Twenty-eight candidates were recruited and screened, and the firm interviewed top applicants that best aligned with the City’s priorities. Staff and community members had the opportunity to meet the candidates at an open-house style reception. Participants chatted one-on-one with the candidates and provided feedback to the Council.
“I am grateful to the SeaTac City Council for choosing me to serve as the next city manager, and I am committed to serving the City with integrity and dedication,” said Jonathan. “The City of SeaTac plays a vital role as the gateway to the Evergreen State, offering world-class transit options, rich cultural diversity, and abundant natural beauty. I look forward to working alongside our elected leaders, City staff, and business and community partners to help SeaTac achieve its full potential over the years ahead.”
Past Experience
Jonathan joins the City from his role as city attorney of Vancouver. He has 20 years of legal experience and is a specialist in Washington Municipal Law. As city attorney, Jonathan has led a team of 34 legal professionals and has advised Vancouver’s city manager and city council on their roles, duties, and powers. Notable achievements to Vancouver’s priorities include:
- Climate Action: Authored a land use ban on large-scale fossil fuel facilities, catalyzing the
adoption of an aggressive climate action framework. - Emergency Management: Insulated small businesses from adverse fiscal impacts of the
pandemic by drafting exemptions from business license surcharge fees, establishing small
business assistance grants, and creating the legal framework for outdoor parklets. - Equity-Based Prosecution Reform: Proactively advanced numerous social-justice initiatives within Vancouver’s prosecution services.
- Homeless Response: Created the legal framework for Safe Stay Communities, Fire Impact
Areas, and Ecological Protection Areas.
Welcome Jonathan
City staff and community partners welcome Jonathan to SeaTac!