Portland’s city manager has nominated Kevin Kraft to become the new director of the Planning and Urban Development.

Kevin Kraft Courtesy City of Portland

Kraft has served as the interim director of the department since early April when Christine Grimando left to go work in the private sector. He has been working in the city’s planning department since September 2020 and has played a key role in overseeing the city’s ReCode process.

His appointment will need to be confirmed by the City Council on Monday.

An announcement about his nomination noted that Kraft “has distinguished himself as a capable leader and strong manager with exceptional expertise in the field of urban planning. It said he has also demonstrated a clear passion for this work, genuine care for his team, and love for the city of Portland.”

Before joining the city of Portland, Kraft held senior planner roles with the New York City Department of City Planning. He holds a master’s of science degree in city and regional planning from the Pratt Institute.

Kraft’s starting salary will be $127,151. Grimando’s salary was $143,135 when she left the position.

Pending approval from the council, Kraft will officially begin his new role the next day.

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