Experience

Founder and Director, Seattle Great City Initiative, January 2006 to April 2009

Sierra Club Leader, Cascade Chapter of the Sierra Club 1995 to present

• Michael remains a Sierra Club volunteer. He has been chair of the state chapter, and chair of its Political Committee, overseeing the Club’s work on state and local issues. In Seattle, he advocated for the City to take a lead on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. He also served on the Sierra Club’s national “Cool Cities” committee, which is supporting a nationwide campaign to urge cities to lead on climate change issues. He has also served on its National Political Committee and the Nominating Committee for the Sierra Club’s national Board of Directors.

Neighborhood Leader, Greenwood Neighborhood, 1998 to present

• As President of the Greenwood Community Council until 2006, Michael worked on enhancing Greenwood for residents and businesses. He worked on a long-term project with business owners, property owners, residents and city staff to develop a vision for mixed use redevelopment of the neighborhood business district. See www.heartlandllc.com/greenwood.html. Other projects include obtaining funding from the city and homeowners to build low cost alternative sidewalks in Greenwood, working with Sustainable Seattle and City Repair Seattle on streetscape improvements, and working with city agencies and the community on policies to protect Pipers Creek headwaters. He was also a long-term member of the NW District Council.

Attorney, Stokes Lawrence, 1993 to 2006

• Michael was a partner at the law firm of Stokes Lawrence. He has trial and litigation experience representing businesses and individuals, including contract disputes, class actions, intellectual property, land use and environmental cases.

Graduate Student Leader, University of Washington, 1990 to 1992

• During law school, Michael was employed as head of the University’s graduate and professional student association, where he successfully advocated for health benefits for TA’s and RA’s, protection of student housing, and other interests of graduate and professional students.

Federal and State Legislative Experience, Washington D.C. and OR, 1983 to 1987

• Prior to law school, Michael worked as a legislative assistant for a U.S. Congressman for three years, worked for one session as a legislative liaison to the Oregon Legislature for Oregon’s Insurance Commissioner.

Education

• Michael obtained his law degree from the University of Washington School of Law in 1992. He received his Bachelor’s degree, in Economics, from Williams College in 1982.

Citizen Commissions

• The Green Ribbon Commission which made recommendations on how Seattle could meet its goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
• The Urban Sustainability Advisory Panel, providing overall guidance on city environmental policy.
• City Transportation Advisory Committee, which reviewed financing options for local street improvements.
• Citizen’s Advisory Panel to recommend a ballot measure for Fall 2006 to finance local street improvement.
• Mayor’s “Restore Our Waters” Committee, reviewing city policy affecting the health of creeks, lakes and Elliott Bay.
• The Port of Seattle Environmental Cabinet
• The Pedestrian Master Plan Advisory Group
• Washington Climate Advisory Team “Transportation Technical Working Group”