The City Council plans to work with partners in the business community and the Port of Ridgefield to develop the business potential of a revamped waterfront, which is right next to downtown Ridgefield.
“The vision has been and is being created by a great council and it will be my job to bring that vision to life into the community,” he said.
Stuart’s task as city manager will be to integrate various projects and ideas. There are multiple plans to further develop areas from the waterfront to schools, libraries and parks that he says will foster a budding business community.
“We are anticipating rapid but major growth in the foreseeable future that will lead us to become a key regional hub in Southwest Washington,” Stuart explained. “Ridgefield will be a hub for jobs, a hub for quality of life, a hub that will provide access to natural treasures like the wildlife refuge, and a hub for business.”
Stuart said he doesn’t see the task ahead without challenges. He plans to use his role to ensure that individual needs are still met.
“Organizational needs and functions need to adapt so we can still be a small, mobile organization that customizes our solutions to our citizens,” Stuart said. “We want to maintain that while recognizing that the needs and numbers are growing.”
Stuart believes his past experience has prepared him for the job. As Clark County commissioner for ten years, he developed long-standing relationships throughout the county and learned the ins and outs of the issues facing the area. Stuart, who started as city manager on April 14, is excited about “being the manager, as opposed to having a manager” but sees the roles as similar.
“There is a shift in roles and responsibility,” said Stuart, “but it’s very similar in purpose and function. At the core, it’s still local government in Clark County.”
Stuart, a Ridgefield native, currently lives in the Hough neighborhood but plans to move his family to Ridgefield later this year.
“I want to be a part of the community and not just be working here,” he said. “I want to be here.”
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