Washougal City Manager David Scott has announced he will retire on April 15, 2027, concluding a 17-year tenure leading the city administration. The announcement, reported by the Camas-Washougal Post-Record, marks the end of a 40-year career in local government that included roles in Los Angeles, Tigard, and Vancouver.

Scott’s departure will trigger a leadership transition for the city as it manages significant growth and major infrastructure projects. During his time in Washougal, Scott helped secure a federal Railroad Crossing Elimination grant of more than $40 million for the 32nd Street rail crossing project. His tenure also saw the city transition to a council-manager form of government and establish a regional fire authority partnership.

According to a city news release, Scott worked with elected officials and regional partners to guide the municipality through long-range planning and organizational changes, including the creation of a Citizen Academy and various strategic plans. Scott stated that he and his wife had identified the 2026-27 period for his retirement, but he wanted to ensure the timing was appropriate for the city.

Reflecting on his career, Scott emphasized the importance of municipal staff over physical developments. ‘What I’m most proud of isn’t a physical project. It’s the team we’ve built within our city staff,’ Scott said, according to reporting by The Columbian. ‘Community service is our highest priority, and after working in four municipalities over 40 years, I can say ‘Team Washougal’ ranks among the very best.’

Scott described local government as the level where services most directly impact the daily lives of residents. ‘Being able to play a role in creating tangible, positive community-wide impacts is incredibly inspiring and rewarding,’ he said. ‘While the work is complex and varied — which is professionally motivating — it is truly the people who have made this journey meaningful.’