King County Executive Dow Constantine recently appointed former Newcastle City Manager John Starbard, of Kirkland, to lead reform of the county’s building and land use permitting processes, as the new Director of the Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES).

“I am honored to be able to serve Executive Constantine, and I am looking forward to working with the staff to learn how best to adapt DDES to meet its mission in the future,” said Starbard.

As city manager, Starbard helped the city achieve its top two priorities: completion of the longstanding goal to widen and improve Coal Creek Parkway, on time and on-budget, and laying the groundwork for transformation of the city’s downtown core into an attractive, walkable urban village. After enacting many reforms of city processes, Newcastle went on to receive several recognitions for the first time, including Gov. Gregoire’s “Smart Growth Award” for plan implementation, the Government Finance Officers Association “Distinguished Budget Award,” and the “Award of Excellence” from the Association of Washington Cities.

DDES is the King County agency that issues building and land use permits for properties located in unincorporated King County. Its employees enforce county land use and building codes, staff the King County Fire Marshal Division, and issue business licenses. Starbard will manage a budget of nearly $22 million and a staff of about 150. Starbard assumed his duties on March 1.