Dec 21, 2023

King County Library System

Daniel

The King County Library System's board of trustees selected Heidi Daniel to become executive director following a nationwide search after Lisa Rosenblum's announcement to retire. Daniel will begin March 11. Daniel will join KCLS from the Enoch Pratt Free Library in Baltimore, where she has served as president and CEO since 2017. Daniel also oversaw the completion of the Central Library renovation, and helped spearhead plans for a new Park Heights Library, the Pratt's first new building in more than 15 years. She helped launch the library's Office of Equity and Fair Practices, steered the organization through the start of the unionization process, led new public service strategies through the pandemic, and kickstarted a new master facilities plan. Prior to working at the Pratt, Daniel served as executive director of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County in Ohio for nearly five years. Daniel was the 2015 recipient of the Ohio Librarian of the Year award. Supporting the communities of King County (outside the city of Seattle), KCLS has 50 libraries and serves nearly 1.6 million people.

City of Tacoma

The Tacoma City Council passed an ordinance to set April 1 as the effective date for the annexation of the Manitou area, an unincorporated “island” in Pierce County bounded by Lakewood Drive West, 65th and 70th streets West, and the county and city boundaries to the east of 52nd Avenue West. This annexation, which will ensure the area's urban development is appropriately supported by urban governmental services, is aligned with state Growth Management Act priorities. In December 2021, the city entered into an interlocal agreement with Pierce County as required by state law. With the agreement, the city expressed its shared commitment to working in partnership with Pierce County to move forward with the annexation.

Costco confidential!

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Jackson Dean Construction began work about three years ago on Costco's two new buildings at its 30-acre headquarters in Issaquah. MG2 was the architect. The new nine-story Building 4, with about 624,788 square feet, opened over the summer. It's connected by skybridge to Building 5, the 1,694-stall garage. Both are very prominent to both drivers on Interstate 90 and shoppers at the nearby Costco store. And now, thanks to NAIOP, you can tour the new addition come Feb. 8. Details and registration: naiopwa.org.

URG promotes pair

Simo

Jackson

Urban Renaissance Group recently announced new and more senior titles for pair of veterans at the firm. After 12 years with URG, Shawn Jackson now rises to executive VP in charge of asset operations. And the 17-year-tenured Matthew Simo is now president of the company. CEO Patrick Callahan said in a statement, “Matthew and I will work together to execute URG's growth strategy with a focus on acquisitions, development and asset management.” Simo added, “This is an exciting time for our company, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team and board of directors to build resiliency, drive growth, and explore new opportunities.”

I spy Skyglass in the sky

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The 31-story Skyglass apartment tower in South Lake Union is looking ever more finished, with its cranes removed and interiors work underway. Before the 338 units start leasing next year, you can tour the project from Gemdale USA, courtesy of an Urban Land Institute event to be held on Jan. 25. Venture is the builder and tour sponsor, for a tower designed by Hewitt. Details and registration: northwest.uli.org.

Homestead hires Dade

Dade

Homestead Community Land Trust has hired Jeffrey Dade as its new director of community partnerships for Pierce County. A chief focus will be the planned Aya Community Land Trust in Tacoma's Hilltop neighborhood. Dade said in a statement, “The Hilltop has endured for over 150 years against intense, persistent injustice, and homeownership has been historically denied to locals. The current economic environment adds yet another layer of difficulty. Serving rather than leading is my goal.”

Hodson heads to CBRE

Hodson

CBRE announced its recent hiring of Jeff Hodson, whose title will be first VP on the capital markets team. He makes the move from Newmark. Hodson will work alongside Charles Safley and Tom Pehl. The latter said in a statement, “Jeff is an impact player who will hit the ground running. His prior experience and existing relationships will be a significant value add to the services we provide our clients.”

CMLS adds Haag to board

Justin Haag has already been designated the CEO and president for the Northwest Multiple Listing Service next year. Now he's also been added to the board of directors of the related Council of Multiple Listing Services. His recent election gives him a three-year term on the board. He said in a statement, “I'm honored to join this group of outstanding industry leaders.”