North Saint Paul introduces Ken Roberts as new community development director

Ken Roberts, North Saint Paul's new community development director, introduced himself to the Arts and Culture Commission at its May 7 meeting and outlined several planning priorities, including revising the downtown design manual and preparing for a comprehensive plan update required by the Metropolitan Council.

Roberts told commissioners he has two degrees from the University of Minnesota, including a master's in public affairs, and more than 25 years of experience in local government planning. "I'm really kind of just drinking from the fire hose right now," he said, describing his first days on the job and his immediate focus on learning local processes and staff roles.

The commission heard that Roberts previously worked in Maplewood, Mounds View, Chisago County and North Branch, served as planning director in Lake Elmo and as city planner in Forest Lake. He said the city's downtown design manual is roughly 20 years old and does not reflect several new buildings, and that parts of the zoning code and the city's subdivision ordinance, which has not been updated since 1989, will need review.

Roberts said the city will likely begin a comprehensive plan update in 2026 or 2027; he noted the Metropolitan Council requires completion by the end of 2028. He said he plans to bring a high-level work plan to the Planning Commission for feedback and will coordinate with boards and commissions as those projects move forward.

Commissioners asked about connections between the community development office and arts- and parks-related projects; Roberts said he is still learning the workload and partnerships but expects to participate where projects intersect the department's responsibilities. He also confirmed staff liaison Jordan Layman previously worked with him as an intern in Forest Lake.

The commission thanked Roberts for attending and welcomed him to the role.