Title
Approving the appointment of Tara Beard as the Housing Director in the Department of Planning and Economic Development.
Body
WHEREAS, there is a vacancy for a Housing Director in the Department of Planning and Economic Development, and the City requires the vacancy to be filled; and
WHEREAS, Tara Beard has applied for the position of Housing Director and has over 18 years of experience in the areas of housing policy, community development, land use planning, and transit-oriented development; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Beard most recently served as the Manager of Livable Communities and Housing Policy with the Metropolitan Council and is an expert in housing policy, working to create safe, stable, and equitable housing options for the community; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Beard has also served the Twin Cities community in other positions throughout her career including Hennepin County, the City of Hopkins, and the City of Minneapolis working on key initiatives including authoring and implementing housing policy plans, working on the Southwest Light Rail Transitway, the Minneapolis LifeSciences Corridor, and the Mills District of Downtown Minneapolis; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Beard received her Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture and Master’s Degree in Urban and Regional Planning with a concentration in Housing and Community Development from the University of Minnesota and is certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Beard demonstrates a long-standing commitment to supporting affordable housing policies across the Twin Cities metropolitan region and possesses a nuanced understanding and commitment to supporting the unique characteristics of Saint Paul; and
WHEREAS, Ms. Beard demonstrates a passionate personal and professional commitment to racial equity; and
WHEREAS, pursuant to the Saint Paul City Administrative Code, Section 10.03, the Housing Director shall be appointed by the Mayor with the consent of the Council; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the City Council approves the appointment of Tara Beard as the Housing Director in the Department of Planning and Economic Development effective April 18, 2022.