St. Louis Park officials last week selected Karen Barton to become the city's new community development director.
Barton, now the assistant community development director for Richfield, will begin her new role with St. Louis Park on July 17. "Throughout the interview process Karen impressed us with her experience and skills," City Manager Tom Harmening wrote in a release.
Barton will lead the city's planning and zoning, housing, economic development and redevelopment divisions. She will provide recommendations to the City Council, Planning Commission and other boards on topics related to housing, zoning and land use.
Before her Richfield position, Barton worked in Arden Hills, Crystal, Brooklyn Center, Hennepin and Anoka counties and the private sector. Outgoing director Kevin Locke will become a part-time Southwest Light-Rail Transit project specialist for the city.
