BG council selects interim as city manager

The Battle Ground City Council unanimously voted to remove the “interim” from Kris Swanon’s city manager title, last week.

The decision came the day following a community meet-and-greet with Swanson and two additional finalists for the position.

Swanson has served as Battle Ground’s city manager for 12 weeks following the departure of Erin Erdman, who resigned to take the city manager position in Kennewick in April. Swanson previously served as Longview’s city manager from March 2023 to April 2024 and has over 33 years of public service. Swanson, who moved to Battle Ground six weeks into her position, said her neighbors and the community have been welcoming.

“I’ve really enjoyed working with this council, and the staff are incredible,” Swanson said during the community meet-and-greet. “They’ve welcomed me with open arms and I’m grateful for that, and [for] our very talented staff.”

Following Erdman’s leave, Battle Ground’s City Council paid $18,500 to hire consultant firm Prothman to find candidates for the vacant position. Of the nine candidates Prothman presented, the council selected three as finalists, including Swanson. Robert Mall, who currently serves as planning manager for the City of Camas, was selected as an alternative should a contract fall through.

“It’s not an easy job working for seven elected officials. [It] takes a skill set,” Swanson said. “Having my background of 33 years of public service really lends itself to understanding the rules, laws and regulations so that I can hit the ground.”

Once the contract process is complete, Swanson will continue to oversee Battle Ground’s city projects. Road improvements, including a road widening of Eaton Boulevard, expected to begin in 2026, are on the horizon. Additionally, the city recently broke ground for improvements to Kiwanis Park, which includes six pickleball courts.

Swanson said her favorite part of the job is seeing the community’s excitement.

“What excites me about it is how many people who are learning about the [park] improvements call [us] and get really excited about it, especially the pickleball,” Swanson said.

Additionally, under the state’s Growth Management Act, Swanson will help develop a plan for future housing and employment needs for the city. By December, the county will receive, revise and approve a plan for cities, including Battle Ground, to prepare for the next 20 years of growth. Swanson said her team is working on drafting the anticipated housing needs of residents below the average area’s income level.

“There’s lots of legislation that passed that impacts us and things that we have to do … It’s a huge endeavor, and the staff is doing a great job. We’ve got very experienced staff,” Swanson noted.