City Administrator David Miller officially retired on December 3, 2024, after seven years of dedicated service to the City of North Bend. Mr. Miller began his tenure with the City in 2017 as the Community and Economic Development (CED) Director before stepping into the role of City Administrator in 2020.
Mr. Miller holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Environmental Design—Architecture from the University of Washington and is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners and the American Planning Association.
Additionally, he is a member of the American Public Works Association. Over his career, he brought expertise in economic development, planning, and executive services to both the private and public sectors, serving municipalities across California, Oregon, and Arizona before joining North Bend.
Mayor Mary Miller and City Council members publicly acknowledged Mr. Miller’s contributions at the November 19 City Council meeting, where they wished him well in retirement.
“I’ve enjoyed working alongside you,” said Mayor Miller. “I admire the level of expertise you bring forward, and for years, you’ve given your all.”
During his time with the City, Mr. Miller played a pivotal role in major infrastructure and development projects, including:
- Two traffic-calming roundabouts.
- Replacement of multiple water mains.
- The Wastewater Treatment Plant High Priority Improvements Project.
- Formation of the Meadowbrook Sewer Utility Local Improvement District (ULID).
- The 2023 Water Supply Agreement between the City and Sallal Water Association.
Reflecting on his tenure, Mr. Miller said, “During my time here, I have thoroughly enjoyed working with the community, the City Council, three mayors, and the most talented city staff in the State. We have invested incredibly in infrastructure. We are bringing a new hotel to the City; we have welcomed many new businesses to our downtown, new parks and trails, and countless other successes. Thank you to the residents and businesses of North Bend for the honor of serving you.”
With Mr. Miller’s retirement, the City began searching for an interim city administrator, ultimately selecting Bob Larson to step into the role.
Mr. Larson holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning and a master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Minnesota State University, Mankato.
A past president of the Washington City Management Association, Mr. Larson has also served on the boards of the Association of Washington Cities (AWC), Sound Cities Association (SCA), and NORCOM, an emergency service communications organization.
With a career in local government dating back to 1986, Mr. Larson’s expertise spans municipal finance, capital programs development, community partnerships, economic development, customer service, and organizational development.
His leadership roles include serving as City Administrator for Gig Harbor, a 15-year tenure as City Administrator for Snoqualmie, and eight years of city management experience in Minnesota.
Mr. Larson’s appointment was confirmed at the December 3 City Council meeting, and he began his duties as Interim City Administrator the following day, December 4, 2024.
The City of North Bend expresses gratitude for David Miller’s years of service and welcomes Bob Larson’s experienced leadership during this transition period.
[Featured Image: David Miller stands alongside Mayor Mary Miller after being presented a plaque acknowledging years of service to the City of North Bend]
