Elias Isaacson

The City Council approved the City Administrator’s appointment of Elias Isaacson as Community Development Director, following a nationwide recruitment process, in June of 2021. He is an architect and formally served as the Planning and Land Use Director for the City of Santa Fe. As the Community Development Director, he oversees planning and development services, building and safety, and housing and human services.

Under his leadership with the City of Santa Fe, Mr. Isaacson streamlined internal procedures and adopted innovative practices and policies despite budget constraints. With the pandemic, they shifted core planning and permitting functions to a completely digital “e-government” model. He also served as Planning and Land Use Director and Interim City Manager for the City of Espanola where he managed the drafting and implementation of a new Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Code revision. Prior to his municipal service, he started a real estate development consulting firm, performing work in the US and abroad. He also has experience working with an architecture firm preparing design and construction documents for the restoration of historic residential properties.

He received a Bachelor’s degree in Geography from the University of Wisconsin, a Master’s degree in Urban Design and Development from University of Pennsylvania, and a Master’s degree in Architecture from the University of New Mexico. He is a member of the American Planning Association and the American Institute of Architects (AIA).