Kim Wilde, who was selected by the Edgewood City Council last week, said he’s looking forward to working in the East Pierce County suburb because it is beginning to follow a new trajectory.

“Edgewood is beginning to realize its potential,” Wilde, who turns 54 next month, said in a phone interview. “A lot of projects are being started and completed. I’m excited to get on those.”

The undertakings include a $7.2 million civic center complex to be completed in October and several large housing projects along Meridian Avenue. The city is also in the midst of installing a sewer line along Meridian and will start widening the road in 2009.

Wilde has spent eight years as city administrator in Waunakee, Wis., but he also has Northwest ties with an 11-year tenure as city administrator in Snoqualmie, King County.

He replaces former Edgewood City Manager Henry Lawrence, who left in January after saying he’d lost the approval of the City Council.

Council members unanimously selected Wilde last week after interviewing six finalists for the job July 1. His appointment concludes a six-month search.

Council members were impressed by Wilde’s level of experience, but also how well he got along with citizens and staff, Mayor Jeff Hogan said last week.

“He came to the top of everybody’s list,” Hogan said. “We think he’s the right fit for Edgewood.”

Councilman Dave Olson agreed.

“He was probably the most experienced guy that we talked to, yet he was the most humble of anyone we talked to,” Olson said. “I just think he’s going to work well with all sides of our community.”

Wilde has given his 30-day notice to the 8,500-resident Village of Waunakee and should arrive in Edgewood in early August. City officials are negotiating his contract and salary and will finalize them at an upcoming meeting, Hogan said.

Wilde will be Edgewood’s third city manager since it incorporated in 1996. In becoming its own city, Edgewood fended off an annexation threat from neighboring Milton.

Wilde said he looks forward to working with citizens who are passionately engaged in their community. He and his wife have five children, one of whom still lives at home.

“Part of my job is to really bring the people together to try to reach consensus on what they want the community to be to get the vision,” Wilde said. “To help implement that vision is what I like doing.”

Melissa Santos: 253-552-7058