City of Aspen names new Community Development director
Aspen City Council to hold special meeting Dec. 19 to confirm Ben Anderson as new director
Aspen, CO – Ben Anderson has accepted a conditional offer to be the city of Aspen’s Community Development Director. Anderson has been serving as interim director for the past month.
A special meeting has been called of Aspen City Council at 12:15 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 19, 2023, where it is expected that Anderson’s position will be confirmed via resolution, which is required by the city’s charter.
Anderson brings nearly a decade of land-use planning to the position. He began his career with the city of Aspen as a planner in 2016 after working in land use in Coconino County in Flagstaff, Arizona. He was promoted to principal long-range planner in 2020 and then became deputy community development director in 2022.
He was appointed interim community development director on Nov. 13, 2023.
“Ben has proven that he is a strong leader and has the support of the community development team,” City Manager Sara Ott said. “I am confident Ben will excel in his role advancing the community’s priorities for the built environment.”
Anderson was the sole internal candidate for the position and was evaluated by staff in the community development department after a question-and-answer session was held on Dec. 12, 2023. Anderson also went through an extensive interview process with the city’s senior management.
As community development director, Anderson will be responsible for administering the land use and building codes and impartially advocating for the public interest in sustainable development in the community. The director advises city leadership and provides policy guidance and recommendations regarding planning and land-use issues. The director of community development oversees the planning, zoning, building, historic preservation, and environmental health and sustainability departments.
Anderson switched careers into land use planning after 15 years as a high school social studies teacher in Flagstaff, Arizona. He chose Aspen following his graduate program specifically to learn about its unprecedented success in establishing affordable housing.
“While navigating Aspen’s complex development and real estate environment has its challenges, I feel lucky to work with a great group of committed colleagues in stewarding a place that is so loved by its residents and visitors,” he said. “I look forward to continue working with the community to find balanced responses to the many issues that face our town.”
Anderson will officially start in his new position after council confirms his appointment during its meeting Dec. 19.
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For more information, please contact:
Ben Anderson, interim community development director
Phone: (970) 429-2765
Email: Ben.anderson@aspen.gov
Or Carolyn Sackariason, communications coordinator
Phone: (970) 319-2791
Email: Carolyn.sackariason@aspen.gov