How a Dispute with the Planning Department Led Mark McAvoy to His Career in Local Government
- Catherine Huckaby
- Jun 6, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 24
I must admit to feeling a twinge of envy when I spoke with City Administrator Mark McAvoy. Upon his arrival in Washington to join the City of Liberty Lake in 2022, Mark was welcomed with the privilege of experiencing all four seasons, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic views of the lake, forests, and mountains. Though he's been missed back here in Texas, the smile on his face as he gazed out of his office window during our conversation left no doubt that he's right where he belongs – and he's certainly earned it!
Before making the leap to Washington, Mark dedicated over two decades to serving Texan municipalities, following a proud tenure in the United States Air Force. I suggest following him on LinkedIn, as his passion for public service and sense of humor shine through in every post he shares, including this recent gem:
Childhood Lessons in Civic Engagement
Mark's journey began in Houston, Texas, where he grew up in a family deeply rooted in their church and community. Immersed in activities through church, scouts, and youth sports, he vividly remembers visiting nursing homes with his Cub Scout troop and assisting elderly neighbors with yard work with kids from his neighborhood.
"My family enjoyed being part of the community. I learned, mostly through my mother, the importance of being involved."
In 1988, Mark was greatly affected when Hurricane Gilbert headed toward Galveston. Although hurricanes are common along the Texas Gulf Coast, Gilbert became a "defining event" for the high school senior. He shared,
"A couple of friends and I decided to go to the city's Emergency Operations Center (EOC) and volunteer. I have no idea how we got past security, but they put us on a desk answering phones. We had a script, so we weren’t just telling people whatever came to mind, but we were sitting at the EOC answering calls from people who needed help and didn’t know what to do. That was my first foray into what local government does and how important it can be at certain times."
Turning Adversity into Opportunity
During college, Mark was still unsure which career field to focus on, so he decided to join the United States Air Force. While stationed in Tacoma, Washington, he was exposed to local government during a dispute with the city's Planning Department over a retaining wall.
"I don’t remember ever showing up to a council meeting, but I definitely made phone calls and sent emails to council members and city staff. I’m 99% sure they had nicknames for me! I became interested in what cities do and how they do it through that experience. So, when my wife and I moved back to Houston, (I'm a native Houstonian) I enrolled in graduate school to study public administration."
During graduate school, Mark had the opportunity to intern with three different municipalities. This gave him valuable insight into how cities address the needs of their residents. It was during this time that he learned a crucial lesson: what works well for one city may not work for another. Each city has its own unique approach to providing services, influenced by its specific circumstances.
"Those internships gave me a great vantage point to see those differences firsthand; a vantage point that isn’t available in the classroom."
Mark highly recommends internships for students interested in local government careers, recognizing the practical knowledge and understanding gained through these experiences.
Before graduation, he began his career in public administration by landing a job with the City of Houston. Over the next eighteen years, he dedicated himself to serving in diverse roles within the city, solidifying his commitment to public service and honing his expertise in local governance.
The Crucial Role of Community Engagement in City Decision-Making
Mark emphasizes the importance of community engagement in city decision-making processes. He stresses that, while it may not be feasible (or possible) to receive input from every community member, cities must offer diverse engagement opportunities to gather feedback from a cross-section of all groups.
He believes that successful community engagement efforts must include diverse voices from across the community actively participating in decision-making and service delivery processes.
"You know you're engaging well with the community when you're not necessarily getting 100% praise or accolades, but you are getting more and more people to participate in the process, and hearing more and more things to help you design programs and services to meet more and more needs."
In his opinion, the work of engaging and collaborating with communities never stops and acknowledges that city staff shouldn't expect to ever be able to say, “We’ve achieved it. We don't need to do it anymore."
The Dynamic Environment of Local Government
Reflecting on his career in Houston, Mark highlighted the unique challenges and opportunities in each role within local government, emphasizing its ever-evolving environment.
"To somebody considering a job in local government, I would say that this is a very rewarding career field that provides a broad range of experiences, including some that you never anticipated!"
In his opinion, the variety of opportunities is one of the most exciting aspects of working in local government. He shared, "My first eighteen years in local government were with the City of Houston, starting in traffic management and moving into planning and development. I served in various positions, each distinct despite some similar duties. The people, scope, customers, and environment were unique to each role."
Transforming Bureaucracy at the Houston Permitting Center
Mark shared that without question, his most memorable experience so far has been serving as the Executive Director of the Houston Permitting Center. The center's inception originated under the visionary leadership of former Houston Mayor Bill White, who envisioned a one-stop permitting process.
He described the bureaucratic maze that preceded the effort, noting that
"At that time, obtaining a building permit in Houston was no easy task...a person needing a building permit had to visit four or five different places."
Mark's background prepared him for the challenges and complexities of organizational restructuring. His emphasis on planning, organizational leadership, and change management resulted in a streamlined and efficient operation.
By the time of his departure, the Houston Permitting Center had evolved into a bustling hub, serving over 300,000 walk-in customers annually with a staff of 800 - a testament to its transformation into what he affectionately referred to as "essentially a shopping mall for permits."
Although his reflections capture the excitement and fulfillment gained from tackling formidable challenges and effecting meaningful change, he humbly mused,
"I still look back on that experience and wonder how I became the executive director."
Mark's strategic leadership and dedicated team helped turn Mayor White's vision into a pioneering initiative that revolutionized the municipality permitting process.
Essential Skills for Successful Government Careers
Mark offered valuable advice for aspiring local government professionals, highlighting several soft skills he feels are required when serving in local government.
Learn to listen from a vantage point of seeking understanding.
Cultivate emotional intelligence to effectively engage with people from different backgrounds and circumstances.
Expect and be open to understanding the changing personal motivations and needs of others.
He also emphasized the importance of developing adaptable problem-solving skills and learning effective management skills to empower yourself and others to achieve success. Each of these skills can be learned through continuous education, real-world experience, and mentorship.
His Heart for Public Service
From answering emergency calls during Hurricane Gilbert to leading the Houston Permitting Center and now serving as City Administrator in Liberty Lake, Washington, Mark McAvoy's career shows what true public service looks like. His journey proves that making a difference starts with listening to your community and staying committed to solving real problems.
Mark's path reflects the lessons he learned early on - that being involved in your community matters! Whether he was helping neighbors as a scout or working to streamline city services in Houston, he's always focused on helping people. His move to Liberty Lake wasn't just a job change; it was another opportunity to make local government work better for residents.
What stands out about Mark is his genuine passion for connecting people with the services they need. He's not just a city administrator - he's a community problem-solver who believes that good government is about understanding and responding to people's needs.
More Resources
Mark shared these resources and organizations that have helped impact his life and career as a public servant:
The City of Liberty Lake, Washington, is a small, vibrant city in eastern Washington, known for its scenic beauty and family-friendly atmosphere. The city offers a high quality of life with numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and a strong sense of community. Did I mention the views?
The City of Houston, Texas, is the largest city in Texas and a global hub for energy, healthcare, and aerospace industries. Known for its cultural diversity, world-class museums, and dynamic food scene, it offers rich opportunities for residents and visitors.
United States Air Force is a branch of the U.S. military specializing in air, space, and cyberspace operations. It is dedicated to defending the nation, advancing technology, and supporting service members and their families.
The Association of Washington Cities (AWC) represents Washington's cities and towns, providing advocacy, training, and resources to support effective local governance. The organization helps municipalities address challenges and promote community success.
The National League of Cities (NLC) is a national organization that advocates for cities, towns, and villages, offering resources, tools, and networking opportunities to municipal leaders. It aims to strengthen local government and improve the quality of life in communities across the United States.
The International City/County Managers Association (ICMA) is a global organization that supports local government professionals through leadership development, research, and resources. It promotes ethical governance and innovative solutions to enhance community management worldwide.