Retiring Lincoln City Planning Director Richard Townsend will be honored Friday, March 8, for his longtime service to the community.

Townsend will be honored at a reception from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall for nearly 20 years of service.

Lindsey Sehmel of Gig Harbor, Wash., has been hired to replace Townsend as planning and community development director.