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Ian Munce, whose three-decade career in Anacortes has powerfully impacted the shape of the city as it is today, tendered his resignation as planning director and city attorney effective July 31.

“Ian has been an incredible asset for the community, always working in its best interest, willing to take one on the chin for the city,” said Mayor Dean Maxwell. “There’s probably no one I can think of that I respect more.”

“It’s a great loss. I’m still mulling it over. I don’t know how many people we’ll have to hire to replace him,” said City Councilwoman Erica Pickett.

Munce, 58, is retiring from the state public employee system and has accepted a planning job with the city of Tacoma.

“This is a staff position, not a leadership position,” he said.

After spending 30 years with meetings averaging three nights a week — about 4,500 meetings, he figures — he said he is looking forward to working a straight 40-hour, day shift job.

Munce said Tacoma has seen a lot of renewal in recent years, and he and his wife Diane are looking forward to living near their daughter and her family, who are in Olympia. They will move back and forth as they please.

“We’re still going to keep our house in Anacortes,” he said.

He said he is eager to play to a new role here.

“Ours is such a wonderful community with dedicated employees, elected officials and volunteers. I am looking forward to joining the volunteer category,” he said.

Munce came to Anacortes as city planning and community development director in September of 1981. He attended law classes at night and passed the bar in 1991.

That year he gained the title of assistant city attorney. In 2001 he became city attorney. His salary is $9,300 a month — about $112,000 a year — he said.

Maxwell said there are people who think the multiple positions gave Munce too much power. “But I know the truth,” he said.

“Ian had a hand or a piece in every good thing that’s happened here. He’s definitely someone who can go out and negotiate,” Maxwell said.

Munce has facilitated such things as the comprehensive plan, historical preservation and affordable housing.

“Ian’s one of those people who gets things done,” the mayor said.

Pickett, who has worked with Munce in various capacities since he first came to town, said he has helped the public to examine various situations until consensus forms.
“Ian has a lot of faith in the group planning process,” she said. “A lot of brains come up with a better answer.”

She said working with him has been “superb.”

“He’s easy to work with and good at crafting compromise among conflicting opinions,” she said.

The city is advertising for a new planning director, but Maxwell said the city is unlikely to continue combining the positions.

“I don’t believe we will be able to do that. I don’t believe there’s anyone out there who will fit both roles,” he said.

In the interim, the city can seek outside legal counsel and glean opinions.

“I need to think about how we can consolidate those roles,” Maxwell said.

Munce said the timing is good. Many plans are set up so things can almost run themselves, and it’s not an election year. He said working in Anacortes has been a pleasure.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute,” Munce said.