In her 25th year on the city’s Planning Commission, Alice Kier is retiring from her volunteer position as her term is about to expire. The City Council recognized Kier prior to the June 17 meeting and dozens of residents attended the reception.
Originally appointed in 1994, Kier has chaired the Planning Commission since 2004 and has attended approximately 500 Planning Commission meetings over the years. She is currently wrapping up the Planning Commission’s work on the 2019 Town Center Plan Update and will step down once the Commission completes their recommendation to the City Council.
Additionally, Kier has served on the Economic Vitality and Town Center Task Force (2018), Civic Facilities Advisory Task Force (2008), and Downtown Revitalization Committee (1993). She has led the Planning Commission through the adoption of the award-winning Town Center Plan in 2007, recommendation on Aging Civic Facilities in 2008 and Governor’s Smart Communities Award for Town Center Planning in 2009.
In addition, Kier has participated in planning decisions that resulted in the city receiving three highly coveted Vision 2040 Awards in 2009, 2014 and 2015 from the Puget Sound Regional Council. As a Planning Commissioner, she is known to be outspoken and stands up for her convictions.
Before retirement, Kier worked at Herres Data Services in the Town Center at East Plaza before it was destroyed by arson fires. “Alice has been steadfast in her commitment to restoring the city’s once bustling downtown after arson fires destroyed it many years ago,” stated Community Relations Director Virginia Olsen. “For more than a quarter century, she has demonstrated leadership in making that vision a reality culminating in the updated Town Center Plan and Civic Campus Redevelopment project happening this year. The city is so thankful for the time and devotion she has given to this community.”
In addition to serving on the Planning Commission, Kier is a busy volunteer at St. Pius IX Church participating in the choir, Lady’s Guild, perpetual adoration and many other activities there.
Kier stated, “The people in Mountlake Terrace are unique and we care about each other whether we know each other or not. My house was always a safe place for the neighbor kids to come and I feel my job is to share and help others when needed. That’s typical of the people who live here.”
With fellow Planning Commissioners, City Councilmembers, friends, neighbors and city staff in attendance, it was evident that Kier is very much appreciated and supported by the community she has served so diligently. Kier added that she cannot wait for the groundbreaking ceremony invitation on the new City Hall facility this fall.
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