photo by: City of Lawrence contributed photo

Jeff Crick

City Manager Craig Owens announced Wednesday that Jeff Crick will be the new planning and development services director for the City of Lawrence-Douglas County Planning and Development Services Department.

Crick joined city staff in 2013 and has served as the planning manager for the department since 2018, according to a city news release. Owens said in the release that he was excited for Crick to take on the new role.

“He has demonstrated enthusiasm and commitment to the important services provided by the department and an openness to look at these functions with a fresh perspective,” Owens said.

Crick was selected following a national search and several interview panels consisting of Douglas County officials, neighborhood leaders, the Chamber of Commerce, department team members, the business community, and planning experts. Crick, who has more than 12 years of experience in planning and community development, has a bachelor’s degree in political science and history and a Master of Urban Planning degree from the University of Kansas.

Crick said in the release that he was honored to continue serving the community in the new role, and he looked forward to working with the community to help bring positive changes.

“In my first days I want to take time to listen and learn even more about the community’s vision for helping Douglas County and Lawrence grow into a stronger, more resilient community,” Crick said.

Crick will begin in his new role immediately. Crick replaces former planning and development director Scott McCullough. McCullough resigned in November to take a position in Lenexa, and Assistant Director of Planning and Development Services Amy Miller has been serving as interim director.