WHEREAS, David Orrin Earling has served the people of Edmonds since 1992, first as a member of the city council and later as mayor of Edmonds since 2011, and has been a strong leader and an asset to the city and our region during a period of significant growth and change; and

WHEREAS, He has dedicated himself to building community, restoring civility, and encouraging civic participation during his tenure as mayor; and

WHEREAS, David Earling has served the public and his community in various capacities since the very beginning of his career, as a beloved music professor at Shoreline Community College, as a member of the Edmonds City Council, the Edmonds Chamber of Commerce, Sound Transit, Senior Services of Snohomish County, and the Central Puget Sound Growth Management Hearings Board, among others; and

WHEREAS, David Earling successfully championed efforts to turn Edmonds into a destination for the arts, including launching the first-ever arts summit in 2013 and leading the city to be named Washington's first certified creative district; and

WHEREAS, He spearheaded growth for the city by overseeing a plan to redevelop the Edmonds stretch of Highway 99 to include more investment in affordable housing and a more pedestrian-friendly feel, promoting a healthy and vibrant feel to the area; and

WHEREAS, He played a key role in the revitalization of Edmonds' public spaces, notably with his efforts to purchase and launch Civic Park, which is now recognized as a first-class downtown facility; and

WHEREAS, David Earling has been widely appreciated and recognized for his spirit of cooperation with fellow leaders, his respectful interactions with colleagues, and his warm connections to many folks in the community;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That the Washington State Senate recognize retired Edmonds Mayor David Earling, for his service to the people of Washington State, Snohomish County, and the City of Edmonds, and his long career dedicated to improving the lives of its residents; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That in acknowledgment of their recent celebration of their fiftieth wedding anniversary, the Senate recognize Susan Earling for her dedication to the community and her loving presence in her husband's life as David undertook the responsibilities of public office throughout the years; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be immediately transmitted by the Secretary of the Senate to David Earling in celebration of his service to the City of Edmonds.