Steve MBA, MPA, AICP

Experience

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  Spokane County, Washington

  Jul 1984 - Dec 1988

  Manager Sewer and Water Protection Services

  This was a public works position. I managed Spokane County’s utility planning processes, which included utility billing and collections, community development, water quality analysis and grant procurement. I created this department from scratch and established all of its practices, policies, controls, and information programs that still guide it. At the same time, I managed the Spokane Rathdrum Aquifer Protection Area. I worked with the Washington State Legislature toward passage of legislation that afforded creation of this water protection area; the first of its type in the Nation. Next, I worked on a countywide campaign to promote approval of this taxing authority. This conservation measure was approved by 70 percent of Spokane County voters. After its approval, I was asked by the Spokane County Commission to administer this program. The creation of this water protection area provided the means whereby the County was able to raise several million dollars annually for purposes of offsetting the costs of connecting households and businesses into the County’s sewer system. Show less

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  Spokane County

  Jan 1989 - Dec 1996

  County Commissioner [CEO]

  Spokane County is an urban county located in Eastern Washington State managed by three county commissioners who are elected to serve four-year terms.I served in the capacity of board chairperson. At the time, I was one of Washington State’s youngest elected county commissioners, serving in this role for eight (8) years. Each commissioner represents an approximate 600 square mile district, while assuming primary responsibility for the overall delivery of local public services in that area. My Commission District included the area that later became the City of the Spokane Valley. I directly, or indirectly, oversaw a public labor force of two thousand and various public budgets totaling more than two hundred million dollars annually. While in this role, I was appointed as a Spokane County hearing examiner due to my mediation experiences. Show less

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  City of Falmouth

  Nov 1997 - Jan 1999

  City Administrator [CAO]

  This was a one year [1] contracted city administrator position, established to help this small community, located south of Cincinnati, Ohio rebuild from a devastating flood. The estimated 500-year flood claimed lives, destroyed or severely damaged 50 percent of the community’s housing stock and most of the city’s records and infrastructure. The city’s central business district (CBD) was heavily damaged. I was able to initiate building code regulations, develop transportation and land use plans, reassemble the general ledger and introduce some basic accounting controls - while also initiating a number of community development and public works practices. With City Council guidance I oversaw the extensive infrastructure rebuilding process, as well as formulated new fire and police department policies. As part of an effort to rehabilitate the CBD - I oversaw reconstruction of the Kennett Tavern [Circa 1800]; this structure is the Commonwealth of Kentucky’s oldest standing commercial building of Federated architectural construction and now serves as the City Hall. I worked with various federal, state, local and volunteer agencies to distribute millions of dollars in emergency and relief funds and develop financial strategies to reposition this community for its long-term survival. Paul Patton, Kentucky’s Governor, conferred upon me the status “Kentucky Colonel” (Kentucky’s Highest Public Service Award) for my efforts to rebuild this city. Show less

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  Ada County Highway District [ACHD]

  Sept 1999 - Apr 2001

  Transportation Planning and Development Coordinator and Special Projects Manager

  ACHD is the largest highway district In the State of Idaho with 300 employees. This agency serves as the countywide transportation authority for Ada County, Idaho’s six (6) cities, to include the City of Boise. I supervised implementation of the agency's land use transportation policies and practices. I managed the transportation application processes to include review of staff reports. I conducted engineering and environmental reviews and worked closely with six cities and Ada County to establish an area wide functional road network system. This position involved considerable interaction with the public, media, other agencies, and community leadership. Show less

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  City of Caldwell

  Mar 2001 - Dec 2004

  Community Development Director

  Caldwell, Idaho is a fast growing Mountain West community, with a population of about 50,000, located twenty miles west of Boise, Idaho. My responsibilities included providing technical and administrative oversight to the community development department, public work support services, neighborhood programs and transportation operations. I was responsible for developing goals, objectives, policies and priorities associated with the implementation of transportation processes, land use activities, downtown rehabilitation, code enforcement, grants, contracts, engineering support and other community development related activities. I was able to have several code amendments approved including landscape, signage, tree and design review. I was fortunate to oversee the procurement of two (2) $500,000.00 grants for downtown rehabilitation with the assistance of talented staff. Show less

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  Lyon County, Nevada

  Dec 2004 - Mar 2006

  Planning Director

  Lyon County is a 2,000 plus square mile area with a population of 60,000, located in the high desert country, south and east of Reno, Nevada.I served as the County's first planning director. In this position I oversaw the county’s planning and engineering support functions. I developed goals, objectives, policies and priorities associated with implementing land use and engineering actions. I worked in tandem with the Nevada Department of Transportation [NDOT] to improve safety and mobility standards along State Highway’s 50 and 95. Show less

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  Hoskin Ryan Engineering

  Mar 2006 - Sept 2006

  Planning Manager

  I managed the day-to-day land use development functions of this engineering firm. My role was to help our clients evaluate acquire, and entitle real property and sponsor their planning and engineering applications before various public agencies throughout Arizona. This position required a comprehensive understanding of land use practices, environmental processes, design review standards, political influences, transportation policies and procedures, public works standards, codes and statues.

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  City of McCall, Idaho

  Sept 2006 - Aug 2007

  Planning and Community Development Manager

  I oversaw the City of McCall’s land use activities including transportation, land use, architectural controls, code enforcement, community housing, grant writing, environmental regulations and economic development. This position required knowledge and experience relative to transportation, land use, building code, engineering, public works, housing and construction matters. I spent considerable time standardizing agency policies and improving operational efficiency.

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  City of Kuna Idaho

  Aug 2007 - Jan 2012

  Director of Building and Planning Services

  Kuna, Idaho is Idaho’s fastest growing City, located southwest of Boise Idaho, with a current population of 16,000. I managed several city operations including: land use, transportation, building review and inspections, permits, neighborhood stabilization, code enforcement, environmental assessments, contracts, negotiations, capital facilities planning, regional planning, emergency management and public relations. I helped develop the City’s transportation policies and practices, comprehensive land use plan, capital facilities program and urban renewal agency as actions reflective of my work duties Show less

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  City of La Pine, Oregon

  Feb 2012 - Apr 2013

  City Manager [CEO]

  La Pine is Oregon's newest city and I served as its first full-time city manager. The construction of a new city requires considerable innovation as there is no operational manual that comes with its birth. During my watch the city assumed many responsibilities and authorities such as transportation, land use, sewer, water, public works, utility billing, cemetery and code enforcement. I was able to negotiate a number of public contracts and construct successful grant applications that will bring the community considerable revenue it needs for infrastructure improvements. This position involved an ongoing interaction with the public, media, other agencies and community leadership. Show less

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  City of North Bonneville

  Jul 2013 - Feb 2017

  City Administrator/Treasurer [CAO & CFO]

  I serve as the City Administrator/Treasurer of North Bonneville, Washington. This is a small but fast growing recreational community located in the beautiful Columbia River Gorge east of Portland Oregon. In this role I am helping to develop a strong sense of community through an assortment of land use strategies. I am also participating in the construction of advertising and promotional strategies intended to familiarize investors and families with the North Bonneville community. The aim is to let folks know this is a fantastic place to live and work and also to help diversify our local economy. Additionally, I am working to develop permitting processes intended to enhance our business friendly reputation and as a means to provide investors a confidence chip that our community offers strong investment returns. With help from the City leadership and access to some talented individuals I was able to construct a Public Development Authority [PDA] that provides another economic tool necessary to sustaining the community’s viability. This year I have secured two [2] grants totaling $800,000. These grants will help reconstruct a failing roadway and replace a worn out lift station. Improving the deteriorating roadway will help spur economic development while replacing the failing lift station will improve community health and safety. Meantime, I am developing creative strategies such as the “random acts of color program” to make our community invitational and perhaps a bit bohemian. Serving as the City’s treasurer has provided me an opportunity to institute a number of financial controls that lessen opportunity for fraud or waste. I am also trying to build citizen’s support in their local government by assuring everyone is treated in a fair and equitable manner and that our actions and conducts are transparent. Finally, I am striving to make the City’s day to day operation efficient and responsive to all public needs. Show less

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  City of Millersburg

  Feb 2017 - Jan 2018

  City Manager [CEO]

  I served as the City of Millersburg's first City Manager - I might note that Millersburg is a fast growing City in Oregon sandwiched between Albany to the south and Salem to the north - and an hour south of Portland.

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  Board Member Whetstone Fire District

  Dec 2019 - now

  Board Member

  I left city management in 2018 after 35 years of public service. I also left Oregon for Arizona's magnificent weather. I purchased a horse ranch that featured a beautiful old hacienda that you might see in a Zorro movie. The land and outbuilding are extensive and I spend several hours each day repairing or replacing buildings, fencing and other structures. Apparently, I couldn't leave public service behind and was recently appointed as a board member on the local fire and emergency services district. I am considering a third party run for the US presidency position in 2024 and noting the present reliance on a two party political system has squeezed out the ability to accomodate public needs. Show less