New Huntingburg Planning Director hired

The City of Huntingburg has hired Paul Lake as  the new planning director for the city.

He replaces Rich Hazlewood who officially retired August 22 after serving the city for 15 years.

Lake’s first day on the job is September 29.

He most recently served as Executive Director of Pike County Economic Growth and Development Council, Inc.  Prior to that, he held the position of Senior Economic Impact Analyst for the Department of Metropolitan Development at the City of Indianapolis.

“I believe my skills and experience in planning and zoning, project analysis, development and redevelopment, and financing and property taxation will be a tremendous value to the City of Huntingburg,” said Lake. “Having been an employee of the city’s planning division in Indianapolis for many years, I also understand planning and zoning as it relates to both preserving a community’s identity and heritage, as well as implementing changes to secure its future.”

Lake has nearly thirty years of experience in community and economic development and public relations in the Indianapolis metropolitan area and Pike County. He is a board member for the Indiana State Mining Board, Pike County Soil & Water Conservation District, Pike County Property Tax Assessment Board of Appeals and Southwest Indiana Development Council. He is also immediate past president of the Indiana 15 Regional Planning Commission.

“I’m confident that with Paul’s professional background, he will bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the planning director position for the City of Huntingburg,” Huntingburg Mayor Denny Spinner said. “He will be a great asset in guiding the city through the numerous projects we have ahead of us.”