Paul begins work on Tuesday, Nov. 16 and will continue until the recruitment of a new director is complete in late January or early February 2022.
The previous Planning & Development Director, Fred Starr, retired in mid-October. To fill this very important role while the Town completes a thorough recruitment, the Town Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and Human Resources team reached out to their networks and contacts to find a stellar interim choice. Paul was the best fit among multiple candidates.
As a rapidly growing community, Erie places unique and challenging demands on the Planning & Development team. Paul comes to the Town with a background full of relevant experience in the local area. He has a graduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning from CU Denver and an undergraduate degree in Environmental Studies from CU Boulder. He served as Community Development Director for the Town of Lyons until December 2020 and has worked as a Principal Planner for an affordable housing collaborative and contract planning service.
“I am looking forward to Paul stepping in and not just helping staff keep current projects on track, but also apply his significant expertise to more quickly advance our affordable housing initiative,” said Town Administrator Malcolm Fleming. “He understands how critical affordable housing is to economic vitality, environmental sustainability and equity, and he has experience in this area that will be very valuable to the Town during his service as Interim Planning & Development Director.”
In his career, Paul has helped governments, developers, and businesses plan, design, and build for the future. Specializing in housing, land use, and transportation planning, he has significant experience in public facilitation, urban design, and entitlements. He has managed more than 10 comprehensive plans and managed hazard, revitalization, housing, parks, and recreation plans.
“One career achievement that I’m particularly proud of spearheading is creating a community development department devoted to helping businesses, residents, public and elected officials, and developers successfully navigate through the many steps to a successful project,” said Paul. “It is an honor to be selected as the Interim Planning & Development Director. I am truly thrilled and proud to join the Erie team. I look forward to helping the Town continue with a high level of service as the staff navigates these changes in leadership.”