Embattled SeaTac planning director Steve Butler has resigned and will become community development director for the city of Mill Creek in Snohomish County.

Butler became an odd man out in SeaTac when a consultant's study led by former Des Moines City Manager Greg Prothman recommended Butler's position be eliminated and SeaTac's permitting process be consolidated into an Economic and Development Services Department.
Prothman also suggested the positions of principal planner, building official and permit technician II be cut. The technician position is currently vacant.

Council members and city officials have indicated they plan to implement many of Prothman's recommendations.

Butler became the lightning rod for critics who complained that the City of SeaTac is not business friendly. Through the years, developers and Butler politely wrangled at City Council meetings over proposed development agreements. The developers and their attorneys maintained that the planning department's staff recommendations were too restrictive and would render their projects not economically viable.

Events of the past year have indicated changes in the direction of the city.
An ad hoc committee of business people and others are combing over the city's zoning code to recommend changes.
A decision to condemn a private parking lot near the Sea-Tac airport/ SeaTac city center light-rail station and use the property to build a garage to be used by entertainment district patrons was rescinded.

Former Planning Commission Chairman Rick Forschler, who identifies himself as a property rights advocate, and neighborhood activist Pam Fernald were elected to the council.
City Manager Craig Ward was suspended and replaced by former economic development director Todd Cutts. Current economic development director Jeff Robinson is also serving as interim assistant city manager.

Critics of city bureaucracy plan to resubmit a proposition next year that would change SeaTac's form of government from city manager/council to an elected mayor/council. A similar measure failed in November by nine votes amid charges that some votes were not counted.
Butler's last day in SeaTac is Aug. 25.

He was hired as community development supervisor in March 1992 and promoted to planning and community development director in June 1996.
"Steve is very professional and led the city to worthy progress through the years," Cutts said. "I am personally excited for him, but sorry to lose him."
Cutts added that Butler's temporary replacement and the long term impacts of reorganization are still being discussed.
Mill Creek was formed as a planned community.

Butler will begin work there on Aug. 30.

"We are extremely pleased to welcome Steve to the city team," Mill Creek City Manager Tim Burns said. "His depth of urban planning experience and his reputation as an effective leader and manager will greatly support the future growth and development of the city."
Mill Creek has been without a permanent community development manager since February.

Butler is a member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners and serves on the Puget Sound Regional Council's Regional Staff Committee.