Canby’s new planning director will bring more than three decades of experience in his field — including an impressive private sector resume — to his new work for the city.
This week, the City of Canby announced it had hired Don Hardy to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Bryan Brown earlier this year. Hardy, who starts Jan. 4, was selected following a wide recruitment process.
Hardy has worked in both local government planning departments and in the private sector for multiple architectural, engineering and planning firms in the greater Portland region, the city said.
His last 25 years have been spent with the firm WSP USA, in Vancouver, Wash., where he is currently the planning director.
In this role, he manages a team of eight staff members and focuses on city planning, comprehensive and sub-area plans, and utility and transportation planning.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in geography from the University of Oregon.
Hardy said he is excited to begin his work with the city, and get to know the staff and community.
“I am thrilled that Don Hardy is joining our Canby staff team to lead the city’s planning work,” said Canby City Administrator Scott Archer. “Don’s expertise and approach, combined with his substantial professional experiences in both the public and private sector, will be of tremendous benefit for the City of Canby.”
Hardy and his wife, Kathy, have two grown daughters and love to travel.
As planning director, Hardy will be responsible for directing and administering all current and long-range planning activities for the city, and will oversee Canby’s land use, city and regional planning, community development, environmental and natural resources; economic development, and transportation
planning.
Despite the economic challenges presented by the pandemic this year, the city remains in the midst of a development boom, with as many as a dozen residential subdivisions in various stages of planning or development, and with several large industrial projects in the works.
Those projects include the Stanton Furniture factory and warehouse, Caruso Produce distribution facility, Baker Center industrial park and a major expansion at the Hope Village senior living community.