City of Aurora » News » What's New » New Planning and Development Director Announced
Aurora's newly hired Planning & Development Services director is bringing 25 years of land use, policy and law experience to the city.
Jeannine Rustad, who most recently spent six years as the planning manager for the Tualatin Hills Park & Recreation District in Beaverton, Oregon, will take on her new role Jan. 31 at the city of Aurora to oversee long range planning, development services and development review.
"Aurora is such a vibrant city with so much opportunity," Rustad said. "I'm looking forward to becoming an integral part of the community and joining the city team to address the challenges and prospects that we face while working toward a successful future."
Prior to her position in Beaverton, Rustad served as the long range planning manager for the city of Hillsboro, Oregon, and as an associate planner for Winterbrook Planning in Portland. She also worked as an attorney in Washington, D.C., for a decade, and holds degrees in finance, law, and urban and regional planning.
The city's former Planning & Development Services director, George Adams, retired in mid-2021 after five years. Development Services Manager Andrea Amonick served as interim director during that time. Rustad was selected following a national search.
The city's Planning & Development Services department continues to manage issues related to growth and development of Aurora's undeveloped land, economic development and redevelopment strategies, affordable housing, mobility and accessibility strategies, small business support, sustainability efforts and execution of action items in the Aurora Places comprehensive plan.
"This is a pivotal time for Aurora as we make critical decisions about the future of this city," said Aurora City Manager Jim Twombly. "I appreciate not only the breadth and depth of Jeannine's professional experience but also her willingness to build relationships, work collaboratively and view everything we do through an equity lens."