Q&A With Rachael Markle, Shoreline's New Planning Director

Patch editor Tony Dondero conducted an in-person and e-mail interview with Rachael Markle, Shoreline's new planning director who was hired to replace Joe Tovar in January. 

Here are excerpts from that interview:

Where do you live, what is your educational background?

I live in Mill Creek.  I'm from South Carolina. I have a BS in Political Science from Florida State University.  I also attended graduate school at Florida State and completed all of the course work and a thesis for a Masters in Social Science (Urban Planning, Public Administration). 

How long have you worked for the city of Shoreline and in what capacities?

I have worked for the City of Shoreline since April 1998.  I started as the Grant Specialist.   Then a long range Senior Planner position opened up in Shoreline Planning and Development Services and I was selected.  In 2004, I interviewed and was selected to serve as the Assistant Director.  As Assistant Director, I supervised the Code Enforcement Team, managed large scale and complex permitting and planning projects and viewed team building, communications and continuous improvement processes for the Department as a primary duty. 

What has it been like to be named planning director in a time of transition for the city?

Since I was the Assistant Director for so long and the Department had a few months to prepare for the changes, I believe the transition was easier than if a brand new person filled the role. I hope it was less stressful for the Department to adjust to the change from our past director to me because they already knew how much respect I have for each of them and understanding I have of their roles in making Shoreline a great place to live and work.    Change can be very difficult for people and everyone handles it differently, but time and a dedicated staff have made the transition possible.  

How do you plan to help implement the city’s Vision 2029 plan adopted by the community?

1. Updating the Comprehensive Plan to fully incorporate Vision 2029
2. Vision 2029 Framework Goal 18: discuss policies for future land use as part of the major update of the Comprehensive Plan for Fircrest;
3.  Vision 2029 Framework Goal 12: Population/Housing Choice Initiative project in 2013 and set policy direction in the Comprehensive Plan as part of the major update – planning for the PSRC 2040 projected growth for Shoreline, by thinking about the people we need to provide housing for in the future – who will be moving to Shoreline? I’ve heard people want their kids to find a places in Shoreline to live after graduation.  I’ve heard baby boomers talking about wanting to downsize from the single family home to a walkable community in Shoreline.   What age groups, income groups, etc. will be coming?  Will they have cars?  Will they want yards? Will they need accessible units? 
4. Vision 2029 Framework Goal 14: We are engaged in Sound Transit’s North Corridor Project planning and are in the initial stages of planning for two light rail stations in Shoreline.  PCD staff are participating in the PSRC Growing Transit Community Task Force to develop best practices for station area planning to be used throughout the region. 

How is the comprehensive plan update going? What does mean for the city and its residents?

 The Comprehensive Plan update is going well.  We are staying focused on the direction provided to staff by Council – to simplify the plan, reduce the volume of the Plan and most importantly update policies throughout all of the Comprehensive Plan to fully incorporate the City’s Vision 2029. 

City citizen surveys show economic development is a top priority. What is the planning department doing to encourage that?

1. City Council Goal #1 & Vision 2029 Framework Goals # 9, 10:  PCD staff are working on a project entitled “Commercial Zone Standards” project.  The project will involve:  condensing the number of commercial of zones within the City from seven to possibly three; adapting the newly adopted Town Center design standards and concepts to the new condensed commercial zoning categories; considering raising SEPA thresholds in commercial zones; and considering parking reductions in commercial areas based on Town Center standards. 
2. Vision 2029 Framework Goals #7 and #8: Directing growth to areas within Shoreline that are planned for growth such as Town Center and in the future around light rail station areas is a smart growth principle that reduces impacts on the natural environment while accommodating the changes that are contemplated in Vision 2029 and the future population Shoreline is expecting in the next 20 years. 
3. Listening to and learning from development professionals -  then proposing changes to regulations through the public processes; always viewing the information through the lens of Vision 2029 and the Comprehensive Plan. 
4. Serving as an advocate for developers interested in investing in Shoreline in ways that will help achieve the community’s vision.   During the project feasibility stage if road blocks are identified relating to City codes or infrastructure, PCD will work hard to find solutions that are acceptable to all. 
5. Working closely with Dan Eernissee, the City’s Economic Development Manager.

How is the planning department, in conjunction with the city manager’s office, handling negotiations with BSRE and Snohomish County on the Point Wells project?

The Planning Department is not in a lead role.  Paul Cohen, Senior Planner and I are bringing ourselves up to date and speed on the Pt. Wells project, Growth Management Hearings Board ruling, the Save Richmond Beach legal proceedings and the Metropolitan Park District concept.  The Planning Department has been asked to track the Snohomish County Council meeting and hearings agendas, the Snohomish County Planning and Community Development Committee meetings and to routinely contact assigned staff at the Snohomish County Planning and Development Services office to ensure we are aware of all steps taken in regards to the compliance with the Growth Management Hearings Board order and status of the any permits associated with development at Pt. Wells. 

Tell us something that the planning department does that may not be obvious.

Great question! The department provides: Block Party planning advice; received numerous call about the numbers and types of animals that are allowed – including pigs, ponies and sugar gliders; emergency response in disaster; compassionately work with members of the community to achieve Code compliance that may be suffering from mental illness that has led to an inability to maintain their property – ex. hoarding because of post traumatic stress disorder, drug addiction, etc.