 Kia Selley (linkedin) |
"A passion for the built environment.." Kia Selley, most recently a development advisor with the Portland Development Commission, has been hired as the City of Gresham's new Urban Design and Planning Director. |
Because of the unique combination of skills Selley brings to the job, City Manager Erik Kvarsten has also asked her to oversee the Rockwood-West Gresham Urban Renewal area.
Selley begins work June 13.
At PDC, Selley managed budget and expenditures for the Convention Center Urban Renewal Area, and provided oversight for community infrastructure, district-scale plans and real estate development projects.
A landscape architect by training, her professional background also includes comprehensive planning, development planning, development review, urban design streetscape projects, design-guideline development for transit-oriented development, permitting for complex construction projects and affordable housing.
In announcing the selection, Kvarsten cited Selley’s “passion for the built environment,” along with her deep understanding of relationship-building, public engagement and negotiation.
High-profile projects Selley has been associated with include the South Waterfront Greenway Master Plan; Tanner Springs Park in the Pearl District; public outreach for the Burnside Bridgehead process; and strategy development for Portland’s Rose Quarter redevelopment effort.
