Elizabeth Chamberlain

Elizabeth F. Chamberlain, AICP
City Manager
Effective Dec. 21, 2022

The City Manager is the City’s chief executive officer for the City of Walla Walla and provides direct oversight of all City operations and implements the goals and policies adopted by the Walla Walla City Council. The City Manager provides leadership, coordination, and development of City departments and serves as the liaison between City Council and staff. The City Manager works extensively with the community and partners with community organizations on many community initiatives. Along with the Finance Director, the City Manager ensures the financial integrity of the City.

The City Manager, along with the council’s legislative committee, advocates for the City’s legislative priorities at the state and federal level. The City Council adopts state and federal legislative priorities annually. The City works with its neighboring jurisdictions on these advocacy efforts.

All department directors report to the City Manager and include the following departments:

  • Development Services Department
  • Finance Department
  • Fire Department
  • Human Resources Department
  • Library
  • Parks and Recreation Department
  • Police Department
  • Public Works Department
  • Support Services Department
  • Technology Services Department

About Walla Walla's City Manager

Elizabeth joined the City of Walla Walla November 2014 as the Development Services Director. In July 2020, she was appointed as Deputy City Manager. Elizabeth filled in on an interim basis upon the retirement of Nabiel Shawa in October 2022.

On Dec. 21, 2022, the City Council announced the hiring of Elizabeth as the City’s next City Manager (after Nabiel Shawa retired) and first woman City Manager.

Prior to Elizabeth’s time in Walla Walla, she worked for the City of Auburn, Wash., for nine years, and for several other jurisdictions on the west side of the state. Elizabeth received her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington.

Professionally, Elizabeth is an American Institute Certified Planner (AICP) and member of the American Planning Association. She is also a member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA) and Washington City/County Management Association (WCMA). Elizabeth is a member of the Noon Rotary Club of Walla Walla and became its President on July 1, 2024.

Links

Resident Satisfaction Surveys

The City of Walla Walla conducts yearly surveys that ask residents their thoughts on a variety of subjects, including City services, performance of local government and priorities for the upcoming year. The Walla Walla City Council and City leadership use the feedback provided as an annual report card. Summaries of the results of these annual surveys are available below.