Laura Philpot has been the permanent city manager of Maple Valley for less than two weeks. She is already thinking about the future of Maple Valley and all of the projects the city is working on.

Being the interim city manger since July helped Philpot see what the city needs and how to fill the needs. The first thing she’s working on now is reviewing things internally. There are a few director positions that need to be filled, she said.

“We already have a great team and are looking to fill some positions,” Philpot said.

One thing she is very excited about is the legacy property Maple Valley acquired and what can be done with it for the city.

“I’m so excited to be working with the task force, they have such great energy and passion,” Philpot said. “Whatever comes out of that process will be great.”

The 122 acres that Maple Valley recently got next to the high school is also something Philpot is looking forward to. Since it’s next to the high school, the city will be teaming up with the district to see how it could be beneficial to the high school and the city, she said.

“There are a lot of opportunities with the school there and the Future Ready Program,” Philpot said.

While Philpot has been in the position of city manager for a few months, she is still trying to make sure she is getting herself out there and meeting all the right people. The transition of becoming city manager is still there, she said.

With marijuana stores being a hot topic at City Council meetings the last few months, Philpot doesn’t think letting another store open up will be a big issue. One retail marijuana store has been open in Maple Valley for a few months and so far, she hasn’t heard of any big issues. Especially with the zoning regulations, Maple Valley is only allowed to have two. Even if the state of Washington allows more stores, Maple Valley has it’s limit.

Overall, Philpot is excited for all of the changes Maple Valley is currently undergoing and can’t wait to see what ends up happening with the land Maple Valley has acquired.

“The existing council has done great things with the city, and I know they will continue to make great changes,” Philpot said.