Video: Mayor Murray announces new waterfront department

In an exclusive interview, Ed Murray talks about making sure waterfront projects fit together, his biggest frustration in office and changes in the police department.
Crosscut archive image.

Is Ed Murray's incrementalism the fastest way to make change?

In an exclusive interview, Ed Murray talks about making sure waterfront projects fit together, his biggest frustration in office and changes in the police department.

With a seawall project that's over-budget and the state struggling to dig a tunnel to replace the viaduct, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray announced plans Monday to create a new city department to oversee the waterfront. In a Crosscut interview conducted by veteran journalist Bryan Johnson, Murray said the city has not had the expertise to deal with megaprojects.

The new Office of the Waterfront will include Ken Johnsen, known for managing the construction of Safeco Field. The Office will also include staff from the Department of Transportation, Department of Planning and Development, Seattle Parks and Seattle Public Utilities.

Johnson also asked Murray about the future of pensions for city employees, changes at the Seattle Police Department and the cost of living in Seattle. His biggest frustration been during his first six weeks in office? You'll just have to watch and find out.

  

Please support independent local news for all.

We rely on donations from readers like you to sustain Crosscut's in-depth reporting on issues critical to the PNW.

Donate

About the Authors & Contributors