Paul Williams, who has served as St. Paul's deputy mayor since 2010, is leaving his position to take on a new role April 21 as executive director of Project for Pride in Living. The Minneapolis nonprofit group helps lower-income people gain self-sufficiency through housing, employment, education and other supportive services.

Williams' work for the city has focused on several initiatives, including education, economic development and transit; he also oversees day-to-day operations of the city.

"I am passionate about community-building work, so the breadth and depth of PPL's multifaceted approach to build strong families and communities is really compelling to me," he said.

Mayor Chris Coleman praised Williams for his service to the city and expects to name a new deputy mayor in the coming weeks.

JIM ANDERSON