Jeff Davidson to Replace Karin Franklin

Jeff Davidson, Assistant Director of City Planning and Community Development has been appointed to replace Karin Franklin as Iowa City's Director of City Planning and Community Development upon her retirement in June.

According to the Iowa City overnment Web site, "Davidson has served the City for over 26 years in a variety of planning and development-related positions. He has Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the University of Iowa.

City Manager Steve Atkins has indicated that Jeff’s skills in regional transportation and related comprehensive planning, as well as the traditional development issues, are all professional responsibilities that Jeff has assumed over the span of his professional career.

The search for a new Executive Director for the Johnson County Council of Governments (JCCOG) will begin immediately."

Congratulations to Jeff and Karin.

Karin Franklin to Retire

The Gazette Reports

Karin Franklin, Iowa City's planning and community development director, will retire in late June, City Manager Steve Atkins said today. Franklin, who is in her early 60s, has worked for the city since 1981 and is paid $108,264 a year. She was out of the office this morning and unavailable for comment.

Atkins said Franklin's retirement leaves a ``big hole'' to fill. The city will begin the recruitment process soon, he said.

Comment: Perhaps she is angling for North Liberty's city manager position?