Yakima names Bill Preston community and economic development director; acting city engineer role to transition

Bill Preston introduced himself to the City of Yakima Planning Commission on May 28 as the city’s community and economic development director and described the recent staffing transition in the city engineer role.

Preston said he joined the city after working at the Washington State Department of Transportation and that he had been serving as acting city engineer after the previous city engineer left. He said he will stop acting in that engineering role as Robert Washabaugh is appointed to serve as acting city engineer starting Monday.

Preston said he began work in his current role in July of last year and that his duties have limited his attendance at some commission meetings; he told commissioners he intends to provide support to staff and to attend meetings more often.

No formal personnel vote was taken at the Planning Commission meeting; Preston’s remarks were an introductory announcement and a staffing update.