Community Development Director Moving Northward To Redwood City

REDWOOD CITY, CA — Mark Muenzer may have made a lateral move in position in local government, but he's moving northward in geography.

Muenzer was hired by Redwood City as the next community development and transportation director to replace Aaron Aknin following a national executive search. Aknin left the San Francisco Peninsula city in February 2019. The appointment of Muenzer, who served in about the same job for Menlo Park, is effective as of Aug. 19.

"I am delighted to welcome Mark to Redwood City. Mark has an outstanding reputation as an urban planning professional and leader, and I am confident he will provide excellent leadership for our talented staff," City Manager Melissa Stevenson Diaz said from her Redwood City offices. "Mark has broad experience with complex projects, and a creative and visionary mindset. His demonstrated ability to bring together stakeholders with diverse interests will be an asset for Redwood City."

Muenzer has logged more than 20 years of experience in community development, planning, transportation and related fields. In Menlo Park, the veteran planner was overseeing the Planning, Building, Housing and Economic Development divisions. In his role with that city, Muenzer managed department staff processing numerous large and complex mixed-use development projects including an 8-acre Stanford University mixed-use project and the proposed 60-acre Facebook Willow Village. Muenzer also led a department that is currently overseeing several residential, commercial and mixed-use construction projects while managing a number of proposed and approved affordable housing developments in Menlo Park.

"I am thrilled to join the city of Redwood City team and look forward to partnering with the community to implement forward-thinking and innovative community development, planning and transportation approaches," Muenzer said. "The city of Redwood City has a progressive reputation where it values collaboration with a diverse community. I look forward to leading a team of professional staff to serve the community and further the city's mission."

He also managed all city transportation and mobility policy initiatives for the city of Evanston, Ill. Under his leadership, he reorganized the department and realized record building permit revenue, introduced an improved staff design and site plan review process, adopted an inclusionary housing ordinance and moved forward various transit-oriented development projects.

He also served as Evanston's first LGBT liaison, providing a resource within city government for the community's LGBT residents. He's also worked in the city of Chicago Department of Planning and Development.

Muenzer is a member of the American Planning Association, the San Mateo County Community Development Director Group and the Silicon Valley Economic Development Association.

He lives in downtown San Jose and enjoys many outdoor activities including hiking, biking and numerous dog beach visits with his Labrador retriever.

“In a few short years, Mark Muenzer has built and led a solid team that serves our residents and business community with distinction every day," Menlo Park City Manager Starla Jerome Robinson said of Muenzer's departure.