Friday Harbor Mayor Completes Training on Community Development, Leadership

From the town of Friday Harbor

Farhad Ghatan

Mayor Farhad Ghatan recently received a Certificate of Municipal Leadership from the Association of Washington Cities.

The certificate recognizes city and town elected officials for accomplishing training in four core areas:

• Roles, responsibilities and legal requirements
• Public sector resource management
• Community planning and development
• Effective local leadership

“Cities and towns around the state are continually transforming in light of changing laws and the need to meet new challenges and opportunities,” said AWC Chief Executive Officer Peter B. King.

“Our Certificate of Municipal Leadership program helps mayors and councilmembers sharpen the tools they need today to understand the legal landscape, plan for the future, manage their resources, and foster strong relationships. The elected officials who earn this certificate demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and a desire to bring new ideas back to their community.”

Mayor Ghatan completed more than 30 hours of training credits to earn this distinction, with another 16 toward advanced accreditation.

Farhad began his service to the Town in 1996 when he was appointed to the Planning Commission. After serving six years as chair, he took a break from town service to donate his time to multiple local nonprofits.

In 2013, Farhad was elected to the Town Council and in 2017 elected as Mayor of Friday Harbor. During that time, he has been a strong advocate for affordable housing, infrastructure improvements and preserving the charm, character and livability of Friday Harbor.

He is currently a member of the San Juan County Housing Advisory Committee, Chair of the Friday Harbor Arts Commission and Secretary for the San Juan Islands Sculpture Park.

AWC serves its members through advocacy, education and services. Founded in 1933, AWC is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan corporation that represents Washington’s 281 cities and towns before the state legislature, the state executive branch, and with regulatory agencies.

AWC also provides training, data and publications, and programs such as the AWC Employee Benefit Trust, AWC Risk Management Service Agency, AWC Workers’ Comp Retro, AWC Drug and Alcohol Consortium, and AWC GIS Consortium.

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