San Ramon Appoints New Director Of Community Development

SAN RAMON, CA —Lauren Barr, who has worked for the San Ramon Community Development Department since 2007, will take over as director o community development, the city announced. He is replacing retiring Director of Community Services Debbie Chamberlain, and will take over Aug. 25.

Barr brings over 25 years of city planning experience. He began as a land use planner in several public and private positions, including the community development director for the city of Laguna Woods from 2002 to 2007.

In 2007, he joined the city's Community Development Department. He began as a senior planner, then as acting manager of the Planning Services Division, then as planning services division manager in 2017.

In that role, he worked on land use projects related to the city's General Plan, Zoning Code, Climate Action Plan and various Specific Plan documents. He also served as the project planner for the City Center project, CityWalk Master Plan, Walking District, and several future housing projects within the city core.

He is a current member of the American Planning Association and a board member of Leadership San Ramon Valley.

“We are fortunate to have someone as deeply experienced in community development as Lauren,” San Ramon City Manager Steven Spedowfski said in a statement. “He has been a valuable part of San Ramon's Community Development Department for many years, and we look forward to his continued contributions to the city.”

“San Ramon is a wonderful city, with engaged residents, a responsive business community, and has an exceptional and dedicated city staff that works hard to further the values, vision, and quality of life for the community,” Barr said in a statement. “I look forward to continuing to serve the community and do my part to help address the current and future needs of the City.”