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Danny Walz Confirmed By SLC Council To Lead Redevelopment Agency

Courtesy Salt Lake City Council

After a previous nomination didn’t work out, the Salt Lake City Council approved a new leader for the city’s Redevelopment Agency Tuesday night.

The Redevelopment Agency is tasked with aiding development and revitalizing slumping areas of the city. Mayor Jackie Biskupski has chosen Danny Walz to lead it.

In April, Biskupski tapped east coast attorney Marc Woolley, who was revealed to have been involved in lawsuits at a past position. City leaders said the lack of disclosure made them uncomfortable and stopped considering Woolley for the RDA position.

On Tuesday afternoon, Biskupski said her new pick, Danny Walz, was someone she originally wanted to go with.

“He had some big projects he wanted to follow through on in Midvale. Those things are being wrapped up and that all just played out very well for us,” Biskupski said.

Walz is president of the Utah Redevelopment Association and has been director of Midvale City’s RDA for 13 years. He’s previously worked as a project manager for the Salt Lake City RDA.

Councilwoman and RDA Chair Lisa Adams says the city’s Redevelopment Agency is facing a number of ambitious projects.

“Our homeless resource centers that will be coming online, we have a new project area with the northwest quadrant, we have a lot going on out there,” said Adams. “There will be a lot for (Walz) to manage.”

The city council approved Walz’ appointment Tuesday night. He starts at the RDA on August 1. 

Nicole Nixon holds a Communication degree from the University of Utah. She has worked on and off in the KUER Newsroom since 2013, when she first joined KUER as an intern. Nicole is a Utah native. Besides public radio, she is also passionate about beautiful landscapes and breakfast burritos.
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