Blaine city manager Michael Jones resigns

City manager Michael Jones resigned on June 1 after 15 years working for the city of Blaine, nearly four of which were as city manager. Jones will start a position as county administrator for Island County, which includes Whidbey and Camano islands.

“It has been an honor to serve as the city manager and community development director for the city of Blaine,” Jones wrote in his departing announcement. “Although I’m sad to leave this team of employees, I’m excited for the opportunity with Island County.”

In 2007, Jones began as the city’s permit manager before becoming the community development director. He served as interim city manager when former manager David Wilbrecht retired and was appointed city manager in September 2018.

Jones’ resignation letter marked the sale of the city’s Gateway property, east Blaine development and leading the city through the pandemic and U.S./Canada border closure as his biggest accomplishments as manager.

Jones studied hospitality management in college and worked in resorts across the country before his civics career, according to a previous article in The Northern Light. Jones earned his bachelor’s degree from Western Washington University in geography and environmental resource management in 1998. He worked as a GIS analyst and environmental analyst in California before working as a senior planner for the city of Ferndale.

“As I grew up, I started to realize I really like to be involved in making places and being a contributor to the world around me,” Jones said. “It’s the idea of making a difference in people’s lives and the places we live.”

Blaine mayor Mary Lou Steward thanked Jones for his work to the city.

“Michael Jones has been a very, very dedicated city manager and has accomplished a lot for the city of Blaine,” Steward said. “We wish him all the best in his new position and he will be very missed in the city.”

Steward said the city will likely hire an interim city manager and then start searching for a permanent manager. She expects council to hold a special meeting very soon to determine the next steps. Blaine City Council is expected to conduct a nationwide search for the next city manager, according to the announcement.

Jones’ last day as city manager will be June 30, per his contract.

Jones said a recruiter contacted him about the Island County position and it was appealing to him because he had the opportunity to learn new things in a job similar to his current position.

“Blaine is a wonderful community and I feel honored to have worked in the community for 15 years and shape its future,” he said. “I’m really confident in city staff’s ability to help the city and city council through this transition. I feel I’m leaving the organization in good hands.”