City of Puyallup

This past August, we had the pleasure of hosting Congresswoman Marilyn Strickland to talk about infrastructure projects in downtown. Representative Strickland understands the significance of vibrant, safe, and accessible downtown areas including ours here in Puyallup. We appreciate her taking time out of her busy schedule to meet with us and learn more about important projects happening downtown. After the meeting, Mayor Jim Kastama , Deputy Mayor Dennis King, Councilmember Lauren Adler, Councilmember Ned Witting, and City Manager Steve Kirkelie, ICMA-CM took Representative Strickland on a walking tour of E Meeker, the site of our Meeker Street Improvement Project, and the nearby Cornforth Campbell property, which is being reimagined by a developer into apartments, townhomes, a food hall, and brewery! Thank you, Representative Strickland for continuing to advocate for Puyallup and for helping us with local infrastructure project funding. Photo credit: Office of Congresswoman Strickland

The City of Puyallup is pleased to announce the selection of Courtney Brunell to be the next Development & Permitting Services (DPS) Director. Brunell comes to Puyallup from the City of Buckley, where she served as the City Administrator for three years. As the City Administrator, she led her team to create a more transparent and streamlined process for development projects in Buckley, with a strong focus on customer service. Prior to Buckley, she served the City of Lakewood for eight years in various leadership roles, including Development Services Manager. During her time in Lakewood, she was instrumental in leading the department through new procedural and personnel transitions, managing major projects, and spearheading the City’s transition to an electronic permitting system. Brunell is a graduate of Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Arts. She also holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from Seattle University. She resides in Puyallup with her family and looks forward to serving her community in this new role. "Joining the City of Puyallup team feels like coming full circle—serving the community my family and I are proud to call home,” says Brunell. “Whether it’s Saturdays at the Farmers Market, days at the Fair, or visiting our favorite local businesses, Puyallup shines with connection and opportunity. I look forward to working with the City Manager, Department Directors, and the Development & Permitting Service team to help make City Council’s vision a reality." City Manager Steve Kirkelie comments on her selection. “We had a very competitive application process, and Courtney stood out with her knowledge, experience, and background,” says Kirkelie. “She is an ideal leader to take the helm of our Development and Permitting Services Department and lead it into the future. I believe that she will make an outstanding addition to our leadership team.” Brunell begins her new role at the City of Puyallup on October 16, 2025. Until then, City Manager Steve Kirkelie will continue to serve as Interim Director of Development and Permitting Services. For more information about DPS, please visit our website.

We are looking for a talented Financial Analyst to join our Finance Department!