Met Council names new development director

The Metropolitan Council has completed a national search for a new director of community development that ended very close to home, with a longtime council planner named to the top job.

LisaBeth Barajas, the council’s Local Planning Assistance Manager, was named Tuesday to replace the previous director, Beth Reetz, who retired in March. Barajas has been with the council for more than 10 years and has experience overseeing implementation of the Metropolitan Land Planning Act, advising the council’s Land Use Advisory Committee and conducting official reviews on local comprehensive plans and environmental reviews.

In a press release, Council Chair Alene Tchourumoff praised Barajas’ past work for the organization, including a Local Planning Handbook and PlanIt training series that earlier this year received a national award from the American Planning Association.

“Lisa’s commitment to equity and inclusion, stewardship of our environmental and financial resources, and the long-term sustainability of our region will serve her well in this new leadership position,” Tchourumoff said.

Barajas has more than 15 years of experience in land planning for urban, suburban and rural communities, according to the press release, and holds degrees from Gustavus Adolphus College and the Humphrey School of Public Affairs.

As director of community development, her areas of responsibility will include implementing the Thrive MSP 2040 regional planning document, Metro Housing and Redevelopment Authority operations, regional park plans and grants and more.

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