The city of Glendale named Jamsheed Mehta as its new development services director.

Mr. Mehta most recently served seven years as town manager and deputy town manager in Marana. Before that, he served the community of Glendale as an interim assistant city manager after several years leading Glendale’s transportation department as a director and executive director.

Before that, he served in various planning leadership roles, including his work as chief planner and manager for Wichita-Sedgwick County. He has extensive experience with developing and managing local and regional programs.

As the new development services director, Mr. Mehta will be responsible for the leadership, direction and management of the development services department, including planning, building safety and code compliance.

“I am so impressed with how the city provides the type of outstanding support for economic development projects that nobody else can replicate, which makes me very excited to lead this forward-thinking team,” Mr. Mehta stated in a news release. “Glendale has the space, infrastructure, technology and leadership to welcome thousands of new residents and businesses, and we will continue to make this the community of choice in the years ahead.”

The development services department is the chief regulatory agency for the city which manages investment and growth. It ensures the city’s buildings and homes where people live and work meet the expectations of residents.

“We are building a team of the top people in the industry, and as a former town manager, Jamsheed has the expertise and vision to lead our development services department at a time when the city is experiencing exciting growth,” Glendale city manager Kevin Phelps stated in a news release. “His role is critical to all our projects and to the prosperity that is taking place and will continue over the next decade. He brings the ideal mix of historical knowledge of our city and a wealth of experience successfully working with elected officials and communities.”

Mr. Mehta attended the University of Kansas in Lawrence, Kansas, and NED University of Engineering in Karachi, Pakistan, with focuses on civil engineering, urban planning and transportation engineering.