​Chandler City Manager Josh Wright recent announced the hiring of Kevin Snyder as Chandler’s new development services director. Snyder is slated to begin his new role in August 2024.

Snyder replaces Derek Horn, who retired in July 2023.

“I am excited to welcome Kevin as our new development services director to build upon the outstanding long-range planning and quality of development that shape our community,” Wright said in a news release. “His leadership of Development Services will guide the city’s upcoming General Plan update and a variety of critical services provided for residents and the business community.”

Snyder has more than 30 years of planning and development experience working with city governments in Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington and in the private sector. He has served since 2019 as Community Development Director for Indio, Calif., overseeing building and safety, housing and neighborhoods, permits and land-use planning.

He previously worked in planning and community development director roles with the cities of Sedona, Fairfield Calif. and Auburn and Ridgefield in Washington state.

“I am honored to join Team Chandler and lead the talented staff in Development Services,” Snyder said. “We will continue to work with Chandler residents and businesses to make wise development decisions that contribute to the community’s outstanding quality of life, prosperity and safety.”

Snyder earned a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from Portland State University and a bachelor’s degree from Linfield University in Oregon. He also is certified through the American Institute of Certified Planners.

Development Services is responsible for planning and zoning, building safety, development and transportation engineering, civil plan review and permits, geographic information systems, telecommunications and utility franchise agreements.

The director leads the team of professionals who fulfill the many planning, development and engineering functions that ensure the quality and safety of the city’s built environment.

Chandler conducted a national recruitment for the development services director position. With the assistance of executive recruitment firm Mosaic Public Partners, more than 48 qualified candidates were considered.

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