FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Frank Gray to Lead Salt Lake City’s Department of Community and Economic Development
SALT LAKE CITY – After a nationwide search, Mayor Ralph Becker announced today that Frank B. Gray has been appointed the Director of Community and Economic Development. Gray has been serving as General Manager of the Department of Planning and Development Services in Scottsdale, Arizona since 2005.
Gray is an internationally recognized expert in the field of urban and redevelopment planning and management and has been instrumental in developing and implementing systems for community management throughout the United States and Europe.
Gray has prepared urban management and development strategies for communities in California, Colorado, and Nebraska, and has consulted with Salt Lake City over the past 20 years. “He knows us,” said Acting Director Mary De La Mare-Schaefer. “Frank brings with him his knowledge of the City as well as his vast experience from around the nation and the world.”
As the Director of Community and Economic Development, Gray will be responsible for the Divisions of Planning and Zoning, Transportation, Housing, Building and Licensing Services, and the Arts Council, as well as Economic Development.
“Gray brings years of experience working on community and economic development to this new position,” said Becker. “He has inspired great confidence among our City employees.”
Gray has served as Planning and Development Director for the cities of Lakewood, Colorado; Boulder, Colorado; Petaluma, California; and was Deputy Director for the City and County of Denver with primary responsibility for the planning and economic development aspects of Denver’s $2.5 billion New Airport Development Project.
Gray studied Urban Sociology at the University of Uppsala in Sweden before he attained a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s Degree in Urban Planning from California State University, and a Special Studies certificate in Urban Law from Golden Gate University.