Lars Gare has been the Rainier City Administrator since January 7, 2008. He previously served the Washington communities of Cle Elum as City Administrator and Airway Heights as City Manager. Originally from northern California, he is a graduate of the University of California at Berkeley, and holds a Masters in Political Science from Auburn University in Alabama and a second Masters in Management from Webster University in St Louis, Missouri.  He is a 27-year veteran of the United States Air Force, and was a military pilot.

In addition to his municipal experience, he was also a financial advisor for a major Wall Street firm. His leadership philosophy is team-focused and inclusive, bringing together all available resources and considering all points of view with the goal of maximum benefit to the community.

Lars can be contacted via email at: lgare@cityofrainier.com