The city of Riverside has brought in Stephen Patchan, an award-winning urban planner with nearly 20 years of experience, as its deputy director of community and economic development.
Patchan will work with fellow Deputy Director Chris Christopoulos.
He has worked in the public and private sector overseeing community and transportation planning projects throughout California, and at the Southern California Association of Governments, where he developed the award-winning community engagement program Go Human, according to city officials.
“We are thrilled to strengthen our efforts and build capacity with the addition of Stephen Patchan,” Director of Community and Economic Development Jennifer Lilly said in a statement Thursday. “His diverse experience will be an asset to the department and organization.”
“I’m excited to join the Community and Economic Development team,” Patchan said. “I look forward to supporting the city’s leadership to implement innovative projects, such as the Economic Development Strategic Plan, which will retain, attract and bolster targeted business sectors like green technology and sustainability, arts and tourism, health care, aerospace and general technology. I look forward to helping the city capitalize on future opportunities and ensuring it maintains an exceptional quality of life.”