The Municipal League of King County has chosen longtime Federal Way City Council Member and former Mayor Jeanne Burbidge as its Public Official of the Year.

Burbidge is one of four Civic Award winners the league named for 2010, its centennial year.

Presentation of the awards will take place on March 18 in Seattle at the league’s Centennial Celebration Dinner.

“The award winners have strengthened the civic life of our community and provided inspirational examples of service,” said league co-chair Kathy Elias.

Burbidge’s award in particular recognizes a public official who, in addition to routine service, “has brought outstanding innovations or contributions over many years.”

Burbidge has lived in Federal Way since 1969.

She was involved in the pre-1990 incorporation effort and was first elected to the Federal Way City Council in November 1997.

She has served continuously on the council since then, including a term as mayor for 2002-2003.

Her current term on the council expires in December 2013.

Burbidge recently completed terms chairing the Transportation Improvement Board for Washington State and the South County Area Transportation Board.

She also is a current member of the Ecosystem Coordination Board for the Puget Sound Partnership, Puget Sound Regional Council Executive Board and Transportation Policy Board, along with the Regional Transit Committee for King County.

She is heavily involved in a range of other local and regional causes, focusing on transportation, environmental, municipal and community-service concerns.

“I was stunned to find out that I received this award,” Burbidge said. “I know how many dedicated and talented people there are in the region, so I am very humbled to be selected.”

Burbidge stated that her work in the community constantly reminds her how interconnected people and their issues are. “For instance,” she said, “there is a lot more to transportation than where the buses stop and how much the roads cost.

"There are environmental impacts and social needs — the human factor — to be considered. That’s what makes this work so fascinating to me. I am continually inspired and energized by the people I work with and serve, both in Federal Way and in the region.”