Jeanne Burbidge began investing her time in Federal Way before it was an incorporated city of King County.

She has lived in Federal Way with her husband for more than 40 years, and their work to help the city incorporate in 1990 was just the beginning of her service. Burbidge is currently serving her fifth term as part of Federal Way’s city government. Burbidge was nominated as the Mirror’s Citizen of the Month for her commitment and dedication to Federal Way’s residents.

Burbidge was first elected to the City Council in 1997 for the 1998 year. She was re-elected in 2001 and served a two year term as mayor in 2002. In 2005 she was re-elected to the City Council, and now serves as the deputy mayor, a position she began this year.

Her introduction to city government came from serving on an arts commission, where she discovered she was interested in other aspects of government. She has since served on an array of committees and commissions, including several transportation commissions.

Her husband, Jim Burbidge, could see her passion for community service and encouraged her to run for office. City government allows her to work with the community and a great staff, she said.

“It’s very rewarding to be involved with city government,” she said.

Burbidge attended Seattle University, where she majored in psychology with a minor in philosophy. She continued her education at the University of Washington, where she earned a Master’s Degree. Before joining the team at the city of Federal Way, Burbidge invested her time in the community through human services work.

In Federal Way she worked first at a family counseling agency. She would later volunteer with Community Caregiving Network for six years before joining Peggy LaPorte in starting Friends United to Shelter the Indigent, Oppressed and Needy (FUSION), a housing program for needy people in Federal Way. She was also involved in the Reach Out program, another sheltering organization in Federal Way.

Shortly after she took office, however, she realized the complications and potential for conflict of interest that could arise from holding office and being on nonprofit boards. She chose to continue holding public office and supporting her human services passion through contributions, advice and supporting events.

“I help out when I can,” she said.

Burbidge walks her talk, said Teri Hickel, the former executive director of the Advancing Leadership program who has known Burbidge for 15 years.

Burbidge gives time to each person who comes to her for help or advice and is always willing to lend a hand, Hickel said.

“She shows up and she shows up for a long time,” Hickel said. “She’s a real gem in our city.”

On the city side, Burbidge had been an advocate for the Performing Arts and Conference Center, slotted for the old Toys ‘R’ Us site. The center will give Federal Way’s performing arts groups a place to call home, as well as create another tourist location, which will be good for the city’s economy, she said.

Her duties as deputy mayor include planning Council retreats, presiding in the mayor’s place at meetings or events when he is unable to attend, helping to set agendas and appoint Council committees and balancing experience and diverse views on each committee within the Council.

“We have quite a new Council, but we have a very good Council,” she said. “They are very responsible.”

As deputy mayor, Burbidge tries to make sure the Council is effective, which means allowing each member to find and develop individual strengths — and give the opportunity to use them.

“It’s not really about me, about the deputy mayor, it’s about the city being effective,” she said.

Some goals Burbidge has for the city include improving the quality of life in Federal Way, including retaining young adults who grow up in the area. To do this, the government must maintain the city, housing opportunities, recreational programs and parks and promote arts and music, she said. The city also has to boost the economy to support healthy and new businesses.

In her spare time, Burbidge enjoys the performing arts, reading and visiting with people. She and her husband have two daughters, one son and one grandson. Her Saturdays are often filled with community events.

“Sundays I use to prepare for the week, do the laundry,” she said with a laugh.

Burbidge is a member of the Rotary Club of Federal Way; her husband is a member of the Lions Club.

Though her position of deputy mayor is only a part-time position, Burbidge finds she puts in full-time work.

“I do it because it is worthwhile,” she said. “But I do it because I enjoy it too.”

Burbidge’s love for the community stems from its beautiful scenery and equally beautiful people. The community has a generous spirit, willing to rise up and help those in need, she said.

“We have an incredible community in Federal Way,” she said.