LAWRENCE — A longtime employee of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has been hired to lead the city's Community Development Department.
James Barnes, deputy regional director of HUD, was selected unanimously at the City Council meeting Tuesday. Barnes has worked for HUD for 36 years.
"I think what's so exciting about Jim is all the experience that he is bringing to Lawrence," said Mayor Michael Sullivan about Barnes. "He is a critical person coming in at a critical time who is going to help us in the next 10 years."
District E City Councilor David Abdoo, agreed.
"He is just what the department needs," said Abdoo, chairman of the Personnel Committee. "He is going to be a tremendous leader who will know the sources to bring money for homeowners."
Barnes, of Boxford, will start his new job Sept. 15, with a salary of $89,000, Sullivan said.
The mayor will meet with Personnel Director Frank Bonnet on Monday to work on Barnes' contract.
HUD, the nation's housing agency, works to increase and preserve home ownership, create affordable housing for low-income Americans, and helps the homeless, elderly, people with disabilities and AIDS patients.
Barnes was one of 28 people who applied for the job, which has been posted since last Oct. 23.
