The city of Battle Ground’s interim city manager is excited to lead the city’s growth and infrastructure planning.
Kristina Swanson’s interim appointment began on April 15 following the resignation of Erin Erdman, who was hired as the new city manager of Kennewick, Washington. Swanson will serve Battle Ground until a permanent city manager is hired by the City Council.
Swanson has 33 years of public service experience and previously served as Cowlitz County’s auditor for five terms. Shifting her focus to local city government, she recently worked as Longview’s city manager from March 2023 to April 2024.
“In all levels of government that I’ve served in, city government is by far my favorite,” Swanson said. “It’s the closest to the people. I mean, there are so many things that impact the lives of individuals, that it’s a meaningful job.”
One week in office, Swanson said city staff is helping her become familiar with ongoing projects.
Road and housing infrastructure
A major infrastructure project Swanson will oversee is the Southwest Eaton Boulevard widening project, to reduce traffic congestion. The project to widen the road into three lanes is in preliminary planning stages. The city intends to implement bike lanes and sidewalks on the road, from Southwest 20th Avenue to state Route 503. Traffic signals will be installed on the intersection of Eaton Boulevard and 20th Street. Additionally, two new turn lanes will be built on the intersection of Eaton Boulevard and state Route 503. Construction is expected to begin in the first quarter of 2026. Swanson and her successor will seek grant funding throughout the planning process. State and federal funding found so far will save Battle Ground nearly $3 million in construction costs.
Battle Ground is additionally considering whether or not to add a roundabout at the SR 503 and Northwest Onsdorff Boulevard intersection. The city will work in conjunction with the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to implement either a roundabout or traffic lights for the intersection, based on studies during the preliminary engineering phase.
Additionally, Swanson will be taking feedback for the city’s parking needs. The city’s police department recently adopted a policy to have a patroller on standby for parking complaints. Members of the council have raised concerns in previous meetings regarding the lack of parking spaces in Battle Ground Village on the east side of the city.
“I think [the] council updated their parking ordinance in February or March and made some adjustments to the duration of parking, as well as in the commercial area,” Swanson said. “…Parking is always a big issue in any city, especially towards downtown, where you’re just wanting free, adequate, available parking.”
Under the state’s Growth Management Act (GMA), 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.
As part of this plan, Swanson is currently reviewing ways for the city to meet future housing needs projected by the county. In March, county staff presented the City Council with an early projection, suggesting that the city prepare housing units for 3,000 future residents making below the area’s median income.
“The city manager is pretty involved with any kind of development, especially with affordable housing projects,” Swanson said.
On April 1, the council rejected a proposed development by the Vancouver Housing Authority, an organization dedicated to affordable housing, in a split vote with one member excused. The Eaton Park project aimed to build 1,200 housing units south of the city’s Walmart supercenter for residents living below Battle Ground’s average income. Council members expressed concerns over the proposal, as it would have given the developers immunity from paying property taxes for the units. Swanson emphasized her commitment to communicating with developers, while affirming her intent to align with the council’s guidance on future policy matters.
Old Town Battle Ground project
In the future, city staff will propose alternate improvements to make Main Street an attractive commercial area. Swanson will collaborate with staff, including Community Development Director Kristin Lehto, to develop a plan for the upcoming “Old Town Battle Ground” project.
“The process is everything from infrastructure, improvements, streetscape, assuring that the parking needs are met, that type of thing, to make the Old Town more of an attraction and [to] benefit the businesses down there.”
The first step in the downtown area’s revitalization will be several open houses for residents to share their thoughts with the city. Communications Manager Alisha Smith expects a page with more information to be uploaded on the city’s website within the coming weeks. She expects a final plan for downtown will take at least one year.
Swanson’s term will end once the City Council hires a new city manager. The council recently hired a recruitment firm to seek potential candidates. Swanson said she will help familiarize the next manager on Battle Ground’s many developments.
“I’m very grateful to have this opportunity,” Swanson said. “I’m glad and honored that the council had enough trust in me to just jump right in here and provide some leadership during the interim.”
