Russell Claus named Planning Director 

(April 22, 2008) - City Manager Jim Couch has named Russell Claus Planning Director.

Claus began his career with the City in 1996 as the Murrah Revitalization Program manager.  He has spent the last six years overseeing the Planning Department’s Urban Redevelopment Division, which is responsible for downtown planning, including Core to Shore and the Medical Business District, Brownfield redevelopment and various incentive programs.

“This position requires a visionary; a planning expert that can work with the community to plan and implement projects while enacting sound policies at the same time,” City Manager Jim Couch said.  “Russell’s leadership with the Core to Shore planning process exemplifies his skills as a planner and mediator.”

Claus was chosen after a nationwide search was conducted to fill the job.  He replaces John Dugan, who was named deputy planning director for the City of Los Angeles in January.

“This is a great honor,” said Claus.  “I strongly believe that Oklahoma City stands on the cusp of greatness and I relish the opportunity to be able to work with our citizens to realize this City’s enormous potential.”

Claus has a Bachelors of Science in Environmental Studies from Griffith University in Australia and a Master’s degree in City Planning from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), where he specialized in mediation and consensus building.

Claus is on the board of directors for the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and Sustainable OKC.  He also coaches the Little Mermaids, a soccer team for girls under six.