Planning Director Resigns for New Position

By Susan Gwiasda

City of Ames

AMES, Iowa – Ames Planning and Housing Director Steve Osguthorpe announced today he has accepted a position as Community Development Director with the City of Yakima, Wash., beginning in November. He will leave the City of Ames in mid-October. 

Osguthorpe was named Planning and Housing Director on Jan. 8, 2007. Before joining the City of Ames, he was the Community and Economic Development Director for the City of Shelton, Wash. Osguthorpe has spent most of his professional career in Washington, and said he was looking forward to relocating closer to home and family. 

“I’ve tremendously enjoyed my experience here in Ames, but I am eager to return to Washington,” Osguthorpe said. “When this position became available, it became clear to me that this is a great fit for me both professionally and personally.” 

City Manager Steve Schainker thanked Osguthorpe for his years of service. “While Steve served as Director, Ames has experienced significant growth and change at a time when other communities were struggling. Making planning decisions about any city creates many challenges, and I’ve appreciated Steve’s insight in these often complicated situations.” 

A national search will begin immediately for Osguthorpe’s replacement. In the interim, Assistant City Manager Bob Kindred will serve as Planning and Housing Director.