After a wide search, Brooklyn Park went with a known quantity and appointed Kimberly Berggren as the next director of community development.

The City Council unanimously approved the appointment by City Manager Jamie Verbrugge last week. Berggren succeeds Jason Aarsvold, who left in September to pursue a consulting career.

Berggren, who joined the city staff in 2007, will be responsible for economic and business development. In her last job, she was housing and development manager. She also served New Hope as a community development assistant. She has a master's degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Minnesota.

"Berggren's selection was based on her exceptional knowledge and expertise and track record of proven results," Verbrugge said.