I like Jim, but this seems like an odd choice.
Madison Names New Director of Community Development
Madison Mayor Paul Soglin today announced the appointment of Jim O’Keefe as the City of Madison’s Director of Community Development. O’Keefe previously served as Administrator for the Division of Housing and Community Development in the Wisconsin Department of Commerce under Governor Jim Doyle. From 1990 to 2003, O’Keefe served as the City of Madison’s Government Relations Officer under Mayor Soglin and Mayor Bauman. O’Keefe earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
The Division of Housing and Community Development allocated approximately $50 million of state and federal resources annually to support projects and community-based organizations in small communities around the state seeking to achieve local affordable housing, public infrastructure and economic development objectives.
The Division also provided financial support to organizations dedicated to providing emergency shelter and transitional housing services to families in need. These resources included nearly $30 million in CDBG funds, $13 million in HOME Investment Partnerships funds and $2-million in Emergency Solutions Grant funds provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
“Jim’s state experience as a Division Administrator in community development and his thirteen years of legislative advocacy for the full breadth of City government services makes him very well qualified for this job,” said Madison Mayor Paul Soglin. “Jim will do an excellent job of working with City officials and community groups to ensure that all Madison residents share in a high quality of life. I look forward to working with Jim as part of the City’s management team.”
As Director of Community Development, O’Keefe will lead a Division focused on helping to build and support healthy neighborhoods, enhance safe and affordable housing, expand economic opportunities, facilitate quality child care and provide supportive services to Madison’s older adults and families in need. The Division is responsible for administering the federally funded Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and a variety of other federal, state and local resources targeting affordable housing, economic development, emergency shelter and community service needs.
It also certifies childcare providers within the City and runs Madison’s Senior Center.
The Common Council will consider O’Keefe’s appointment at their October 30th meeting. He will begin work on November 19th.
