Hayden leader resigns

HAYDEN - Lisa Key, Hayden's community development director for the past six years and with the city for the past eight, has resigned effective Saturday.

"I believe the city's leadership has chosen to go in a different direction," Key said. "It's a good time for me to make a transition."

Key declined to comment further on the reason for her resignation and whether she was asked to resign or resigned on her own.

Stefan Chatwin, Hayden's city administrator, declined to comment on Key's resignation, saying it's a personnel matter. But he said she'll be missed.

"Lisa Key is one of the best planners I've had the opportunity to work with," Chatwin said. "Her knowledge and understanding of land-use principals and theories is second to none. The city of Hayden will sorely miss her and we wish her the best in her future endeavors."

Key remains an independent contractor hearing examiner for Kootenai County. Land-use requests are floated first to hearing examiners, who make recommendations to the commissioners.

Key served as Hayden's acting city administrator two years ago before Chatwin was hired to replace Jay Townsend. She said she didn't apply for the job.

Key said she plans to take a vacation and will consider her options when she returns, but would like to remain in the community development field.

"Community development is what I went to school for," she said. "It is my love and passion. I hope that I can continue to have the privilege of working in the public sector."

Key graduated from Penn State University with degrees in political science and community development. She has more than 25 years of experience in community planning.

She started in Hayden as the city's community planner in 2003 before the position evolved into community development director in 2005. She oversees a staff of eight, which includes the building, planning and engineering departments.

Key oversaw the Government Way improvement project, managed the City Hall renovation project after Townsend left, secured a $1 million grant for Croffoot Park and shepherded several growth plans and updates, including the comprehensive, transportation, downtown and parks plans.

Key's salary is $73,153, making her the second-highest paid employee at the city.

The city's population grew from about 9,000 to 14,000 during Key's time.

"The community has a strong vision for where it wants to go," Key said. "It's been an honor and privilege to serve the community and help with its journey."