20070618newsmayor_newcpeddirectorannounce

June 18, 2007 (MINNEAPOLIS) -- Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak announced today that he will nominate Mike Christenson to be the City’s Director for the Minneapolis Department of Community Planning and Economic Development (CPED).

“Mike Christenson really gets that great cities aren’t built by isolated actions in City Hall, but through strategic partnerships with the community,” said Mayor R.T. Rybak. “We created the Community Planning and Economic Development Department because we understood that, to be a great city, we need to weave together housing, jobs, transportation, safety and urban design. We are already reaping the rewards of this integrated approach, and I am confident that Mike is the right person to maintain this momentum and take Minneapolis and our neighborhoods to the next level.”

“Mike has proven himself to be a leader and visionary for the City of Minneapolis as a public servant,” said Council Member Lisa Goodman. “Examples of Mike’s work are found throughout our City and include Midtown Exchange Global Market, West Broadway Redevelopment, and the LifeScience Corridor. I am looking forward to working closely with Mike and his continued efforts for our City.”

Mr. Christenson brings to CPED an impressive background of community and public service. Mr. Christenson served as Director of Economic Development since 2003, where he led the City’s successful to close the employment gap. Prior to working for Minneapolis, Mr. Christenson was the founding Executive Director for the Allina Health Systems Foundation, the Chief Administrator of Metro Transit, and an Attorney and Partner for the Popham, Haik Law Firm. Mr. Christenson has a juris doctorate from the University of Minnesota and an undergraduate degree from St. Olaf College. In addition to his professional and educational experience Mr. Christenson serves on a variety of local civic and foundation boards.

“I am deeply honored that Mayor Rybak has chosen me to lead CPED at this exciting moment in the City’s history. With the support of the Mayor and Council, we will keep building a City of beauty and opportunity,” Christenson said. “I am also honored to work with a team that, in the words of my predecessor, ‘has walked hand-in-hand with the great City-builders of our time’ ”.

Mr. Christenson will replace former CPED Director Lee Sheehy, who is leaving the post to serve as Chief of Staff for Minnesota’s U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar.

“Lee Sheehy has been a true city builder for Minneapolis,” said Mayor Rybak. “Lee launched the new Community Planning and Economic Development Department and provided crucial leadership on the Midtown Exchange, riverfront redevelopment, the Twins Ballpark, and many other projects. Minneapolis will miss him, but he leaves behind a strong department and staff that are more than ready to carry forward the momentum he helped create.”

Mayor Rybak will formally nominate Mike Christenson as CPED Director to the City’s Executive Committee on Wednesday. Pending approval from the Executive Committee, the City Council’s Community Development Committee will hold a public hearing and vote to approve Christenson. After that approval, Christenson must be confirmed by the full City Council.