Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
For information contact: Steve Taylor
staylor@kelso.gov
(360) 577-3301
Kelso, Washington – April 25, 2019
Kelso City Manager Announces Departure in June 2019
Kelso City Manager Steve Taylor is leaving the City’s top executive post on June 30, 2019 to begin
working at the Cowlitz Public Utility District (Cowlitz PUD) as the Director of Regulatory and Regional
Affairs.
Appointed to the city manager position in September 2012, Taylor helped guide the organization
through a series of administrative reforms and infrastructure improvement programs. Working closely
with state legislators and regional stakeholders, he laid the foundation for securing nearly
$50 million in direct appropriations, agency grants and low interest loans for the development and
replacement of key public facilities including the Minor Road Reservoir, South Kelso Railroad Grade
Separation Project, Tam O’Shanter Park Access Improvements and the West Main Street Realignment
Project’s final phase. Taylor also oversaw the City’s finances during the present economic recovery,
which enabled the return of staffing and service levels curtailed by the Great Recession.
“Managing the City of Kelso has been a great honor and the highlight of my career,” Taylor stated in his
resignation letter to the Council. “I am proud of what this Kelso team has accomplished in the past
decade and look forward to witnessing the completion of the numerous projects and initiatives currently
in the pipeline.”
Mayor Nancy Malone expressed her appreciation for Taylor’s leadership and management of the City.
“On behalf of the Council, we wish Steve the best in his new role with the Cowlitz PUD. He leaves Kelso
in a position of strength and has set the table for continued success. Our next step is to begin the search
for a new city manager, and the efforts Steve and the management team have made in building and
sustaining a quality organization will present a rewarding opportunity for interested candidates.”
Taylor came to Kelso after serving as the city administrator in Connell, Washington. Prior to this, he was
elected to the inaugural city council of the newly-incorporated city of Spokane Valley, and he has
worked in a variety of positions in public, private and non-profit organizations over the course of his
career. He participates in the governance of a number of state and local organizations including the
Cowlitz 911 Public Authority, Cowlitz Economic Development Council, Washington Cities Insurance
Authority, Washington City/County Management Association, Municipal Research and Services Center
and Lower Columbia College Head Start Policy Committee. Taylor is a veteran of the United States Air
Force, and he holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics and a Master’s degree in Public
Administration from Eastern Washington University. He is a Credentialed Manager through the
International City/County Management Association. Taylor resides in Longview with his wife and two
children.