Ben Ehreth, an Assistant Division Director, for the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) Planning/Asset Management Division, was named community development director on Monday. Ehreth is a graduate of the University of North Dakota and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Geography, emphasizing Urban and Regional Development, with a minor in Geology and a Master’s degree in Regional and Community Planning, Kansas State University. He served as a Planner with the City of Bismarck Community Development department for seven years prior to his current position with NDDOT. Bismarck City Commissioners interviewed three candidates for the position including Ehreth, Sungman Kim, Principal at Landform & Planning, Brownsville, Texas and Kim Lee, Planning Manager, City of Bismarck.
“As we continue to work together shaping Bismarck’s future, we need an individual at the helm who brings both fresh ideas and a skillful understanding of our City’s complex community development process. Ben Ehreth will add tremendous value to our City’s Community Development team,” said Bismarck Mayor Steve Bakken. “Ben’s consensus building and collaboration skills together with his comprehensive involvement with transportation projects and stakeholders will help facilitate solutions to transportation issues that face the City of Bismarck - essential skills needed to balance the diverse needs of our community. I’m looking forward to working with Ben as we facilitate progress.”
As community development director, Ehreth is responsible for the city’s community development, planning, metropolitan planning organization and building inspection activities, and directs the overall operations of the department. Duties include establishing goals, policies and standards in addition to providing direction, coordination and review of all services and activities. The director plans, directs and administers the development of plans, studies, building and land development regulations and documents, including the Comprehensive Plan, Growth Management Plan, building codes, and the zoning ordinance.
“Ben has a wide range of experience and accomplishments overseeing complex departments, projects, and initiatives at the state, regional and local level, said Keith Hunke, City Administrator. “He is a strong communicator and seasoned community development professional. Ben will be a valuable addition to the City’s Department Director team.”
Ehreth will start February 25 and will replace Community Development Director Carl Hokenstad, who retired Jan. 11, 2019.