Airway Heights has new manager

Airway Heights has a new city manager at the helm.

Albert Tripp, originally from Alabama, started his new job June 15. Tripp has worked for Airway Heights for four years, including as public works director. Previously he was a deputy sheriff for Lincoln County.

Four years ago, he started as a city intern with Airway Heights, eventually became the director of public works, to finally take this position June 15.

“I think I’ll stop moving now,” Tripp said with a laugh, in an interview in his office June 17.

Tripp was chosen by the City Council from a pool of around 40 applicants. Tripp is fully aware of the inner-workings of the city government from his previous roles, so he’s already focused on several key projects.

He has his eye on two in particular: the upcoming construction of the city’s $42 million wastewater treatment plant and staying abreast of the city’s rapid sprawl. As the Airway Heights region grows, Tripp said a big part of his job will be all the management involved with how Airway Heights and Spokane County will manage the borders and land they’ll eventually share. This land includes sections west of Craig Road, east of Hayford Road, as well as sections north and south of Highway 2.

“Because this area is developing as rapidly as it is, … for example, with areas such as east of Hayford Road, it’s important to discuss how they will develop,” Tripp said.

Tripp holds a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University. He also has a degree in public administration.