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The City of Duluth Selects Planning and Economic Development Director

[Duluth, MN] The City of Duluth is excited to announce the selection of Planning and Economic Development Director Chad Ronchetti. Mr. Ronchetti’s appointment will go before City Council on Monday, August 21, 2023.

Chad emerged in a field of highly qualified and experienced applicants for the position and brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to a key role within the City.

“I am honored and humbled at having been selected for this role,” said Chad Ronchetti. “With a passion for our community and enthusiasm about the future of Duluth, I look forward to helping drive investment into our unique city. I consider myself extremely fortunate to be joining a team of dedicated and knowledgeable people, serving with the tremendous individuals on our boards and commissions, and to be given the chance to foster strong partnerships in the regional effort to realize our highest potential.”

“I am excited and eager to work with Chad,” said Mayor Emily Larson. “This is a crucial time to be leading the Planning and Economic Development department here at the City. We have seen record-breaking permits issued, unprecedented investments in businesses and housing, and recently conducted and released an audit of our processes to lay a roadmap for moving the department forward and making Duluth the first choice for businesses and developments. Chad has extensive local experience with developers and also understands this community. I can’t wait to get started working with him to lead this department’s continued success on housing, expanding our tax base, and supporting the dedicated staff who work with our community every day.”

“We were fortunate to have an outstanding field of candidates throughout this process,” said Chief Administrative Officer Noah Schuchman. “It speaks to the talent that exists in our community and to the incredible work our staff does that such amazing candidates turned out for this opportunity. It’s clear that Chad rose to the top of that field to lead this department and join the City’s leadership team. Our thanks also to the community leaders who participated in the interview process. Community voices were an integral part of the process and we’re thankful for their time and input.”

"We at the Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce are thrilled to welcome Chad Ronchetti as the new Director of Planning and Economic Development for the city of Duluth,” said Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce President Matt Baumgartner. “This appointment marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to enhance the city's economic development position. We have been steadfast in our commitment to improving construction services, streamlining inspections, and refining the permitting process. With Chad at the helm, we will have a leader who has worked tirelessly to build stakeholder relationships and we are confident that Duluth will continue to flourish, expanding its tax base and attracting a growing population. We look forward to collaborating closely with Chad and the city to ensure a prosperous future for Duluth."

“Chad Ronchetti is an excellent choice as Duluth’s planning and economic development director,” said Duluth Seaway Port Authority Executive Director Deb DeLuca. “He has a proven track record of success in project planning and economic development, both in the public and private sector, he’s energetic and he’s passionate about creating and nurturing prosperity for the city and the region. He is fully invested in our community and he uniquely understands the city’s challenges and opportunities. The Duluth Seaway Port Authority welcomes Chad with enthusiasm and eagerly looks forward to working with Chad and the city as we continue bringing business to the port and economic development to the region.”

“The Area Partnership for Economic Expansion (APEX) congratulates Chad Ronchetti as the new Director of Planning and Economic Development for the city of Duluth,” said APEX President and CEO of Economic Development Rachel Johnson. “Chad comes to this role with passion, experience and a vision for regional economic development. Duluth is the gateway to northeast Minnesota and northwest Wisconsin and Chad brings a regional lens with the ability to bring people together toward shared goals and capitalize on our opportunity to be an economic powerhouse on a global scale. We look forward to working with Chad, the city of Duluth and other partners to attract investment, welcome sustainable development and turn opportunities into reality.”

Chad was most recently the Director of Project Planning and Development for Kraus-Anderson Construction’s Duluth, Minnesota office. Chad has 10 years of business and economic development experience across the fields of architecture, engineering, permitting, construction, and municipal government.

Chad holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Geography from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire.

Chad’s community involvement has included service on a Duluth City Council-appointed Earned Sick and Safe Time taskforce, Duluth Area Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, Duluth Chamber’s Leadership Duluth Steering Committee, Hermantown Economic Development Authority, and President of the Board for Lincoln Park-based Ecolibrium3. Chad currently sits on the Duluth STARBASE MN Advisory Board.

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