La Plata County Principal Planner Jason Meininger, who has worked in the Planning Department since 2008, will take the helm as interim planning director.
According to La Plata County spokeswoman Megan Graham, Meininger’s new role became effective Thursday. The county’s previous planning director, Damian Peduto, left Wednesday for a job in Eagle County.
Graham said Meininger has an economic development degree from University of Arizona, and moved to Durango with his family in 2008.
“Meininger will oversee the 10-person Planning Department which combines short- and long-range planning tools to serve the public interest while allowing growth to occur, and advises decision-makers regarding land-use, growth, and development issues in our community,” Graham wrote in a news release. “The planning staff is deeply involved in updating and improving county planning policies and related code to improve predictability and streamline the land-use process.”
Meininger in a prepared statement said he is excited for his new role.
“This planning department has continued to improve the land-use process while also focusing on public service over the past several years, and it is such an honor to lead this team of dedicated professionals in serving our community,” he said.
This article has been updated to correct the year Meininger joined the planning department and the university where he earned his degree.
