The Community Development Division of Jefferson County, which provides services to low- and moderate-income residents for a variety of needs including housing, assistance and support, is undergoing a few organizational changes, including a new director.

After receiving over 100 applications for the position, the county has selected Kat Douglas as the new Community Development Director. The Division is also moving back under the Jefferson County Human Services Department after having been part of the Development & Transportation Department since 2007.

Kat currently works for Jefferson County as the Communications Manager in the Human Services Department.  She brings a depth of knowledge and experience to the Community Development Director position.  In addition, Kat has previously worked with several non-profit organizations, businesses in the private sector and has financial and budgetary experience, along with an MPA from the University of Colorado.  Kat will start as the Community Development Director on November 1.

After the recent departure of the former Community Development Director, the Board of County Commissioners and County Administrator agreed that moving Community Development back under Human Services will allow better coordination and connection to staff and information between the Department and the Community Development Division.

Community Development is responsible for working with various non-profit agencies, local jurisdictions and others to fund needs through federal block grants such as CDBG, CSBG and HOME. The division has been especially busy lately with the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).  ARRA initiatives include the Neighborhood Stabilization Program, which seeks to help neighborhoods that have been affected by the foreclosure crisis.

Jefferson County congratulates Kat and welcomes her to her new position! For more information about the Community Development Division, go to http://www.jeffco.us/commdev/index.htm.