On Monday, March 16, 2026, the City of Snoqualmie disclosed that its senior leadership team was undergoing another major change, with the departure of City Administrator Mike Chambless, who had served in the position for less than 3 years. Snoqualmie will soon embark on a search for its third city administrator in less than 5 years.
When asked via email if Chambless resigned or was terminated, city spokesperson Scott Harder responded, “Mike Chambless is no longer serving as City Administrator. We appreciate his service to Snoqualmie and our focus now is ensuring continuity of City operations and continuing the City’s work for the community.”
A source with knowledge of the situation, though, confirmed that Chambless was terminated.
Chambless was hired as Snoqualmie’s Parks and Public Works Director in February 2022, bringing with him nearly two decades of municipal experience from California. After the termination of previous City Administrator Mike Sauerwein in May 2023, Chambless was appointed Interim City Administrator. He was permanently appointed to the position in October 2023.
As City Administrator, Chambless oversaw City of Snoqualmie operations and worked across departments with elected officials and staff to support services for the Snoqualmie community.
When asked who was currently overseeing the City Administrator’s daily duties, city spokesperson Harder said the city’s leadership team is overseeing day-to-day operations and that city services will continue without interruption.
The financial implications to the city’s budget with the departure of Chambless remain unclear, with the city only saying that Chambless had an employment contract that outlines terms related to his separation. When former City Administrator Sauerwein was terminated, he received three months of severance pay.
According to a city news release, information about the process for selecting the next Snoqualmie City Administrator will be shared as it becomes available.
