James Hayes Named Commerce City Director of Community Development

James Hayes

Begins duties with commerce city on July 11

COMMERCE CITY – City Manager Jerry Flannery announced the selection of James A. Hayes as the city’s new director of community development. In this role, Hayes will manage a $3.5 million budget and 40 employees within four divisions: building safety, planning, code enforcement and affordable housing.

“We were fortunate to have many qualified statewide and national candidates apply during this competitive process,” said Flannery. “Jim’s experience within the municipal and county government will be invaluable in helping the city advance economic development and complete the growth plans we have in a thoughtful and sustainable manner.”

Hayes spent the last four years as the Director of Planning and Development for the City of Northglenn, Colorado. He managed several disciplines for the City, including planning, economic development, building services, code enforcement, housing, and community engagement. Under his direction, Northglenn adopted a new Comprehensive Plan in 2010 and Hayes also served as acting city manager and finance director during the cities executive-level transition in 2008-2009.

“I am very excited to continue my career in Commerce City ,” said Hayes. “The opportunities within the city are endless and I look forward to bringing my experience to help achieve the goals established by City Council.”

Hayes has private sector experience managing land acquisition, entitlement, and development for Pulte Homes and previously spent ten years with Adams County as the Planning Manager prior to the City of Northglenn . During his tenure with Adams County , he implemented a complete re-write of the Zoning and Subdivision Regulations and Engineering Standards, a new development review process and web-based permitting system.