The City Manager operates under the direction of Lakewood City Council to implement the policies and goals of the Council.
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About the City Manager
The City of Lakewood is a code city organized as a Council-Manager form of government. This means that Lakewood combines the leadership of City Council with the management of the City Manager. Together, they provide a balanced effort toward improving and managing Lakewood.
This includes leading City departments to provide efficient, quality service to Lakewood residents. The City Manager promotes communication between Council, employees and citizens to resolve issues.
About Doug Russell
Took Office: August 2025
Phone Number: 253-983-7703
Email: Drussell
To email add the email handle before @cityoflakewood.us
After graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in psychology from Montana State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Colorado at Denver, Doug began his career in local government management, serving as a city manager for communities in Wyoming, Kansas and South Dakota. He most recently served as City Manager of Kalispell, Montana for 13 years before joining Lakewood.
He is recognized as a Certified Manager (ICMA-CM) by the International City/County Management Association, a Certified Public Finance Officer (CPFO) by the Government Finance Officers Association, is accredited in public relations (APR) by the Public Relations Society of America and is a graduate of the Harvard Kennedy School of Government’s Senior Executives in State and Local Government program.