Mentor Interview

LINK Interview Kevin Hall

What was your first professional job?

1990 I was living in Wisconsin and I had just graduated from graduate school. I worked with Regional Planning Commission and did economic development work.

How did you attain your current position?

For 5 years I did grants loans helping business get started and then moved to Comprehensive planning.

In the same company?

Yes this was with the Regional Planning Commission.

After 8 years my wife and I left Wisconsin moved to Colorado. I was hired and became a La Plata County Planner. After three years in that position I became the Parks open space development manager. I did that for eleven and a half years and then this year became the Assistant Community Development Director.

What are your responsibilities?

I oversee Park open space trail development, Planning, Developing and the acquisition land. I am responsible for what Scott (landscape architect), the Engineering staff and the Code enforcement team (insuring that city ordinances are being adhered to).

 

What do you enjoy about your current job?

I like seeing the outcomes of my efforts so if we are going to build something we go and build it if we are want to buy something we go and buy it. For example the trails in Horse Gulch and the Skate Park

What would you change?

I wish we could get more accomplished in less amount of time. Sometimes these projects take years take the River trail for an example, I have been here 11 years and we are still not done with it.

What has been your favorite project you have worked on?

I really enjoy a lot of them but one in particular is the Animas River Trail.

Certain attributes that you like?

We started with little bits and pieces and now we are at seven miles. Getting to see so many people in the community using it on a regular basis makes it more rewarding. I also liked the skate park. In that project we had the kids help us design it and now its build and being used

 

What project are you working on currently?

Chapman hill Bike Park and the Horse Gulch Trail head.

 

What do you find are the most difficult decisions to make?

In some ways I am not in a decision making role the city council, elected officials and community drive the program I am just implementing the program. Basically I am implementing the things that they want. However the decisions I do make revolve around what to focus from day to day. With so many different projects going on at one time its important decide what takes priority that day.

What are your professional goals for the next five years / ten years? How do you plan to achieve those goals?

Continuing development of the hard surface trail system in the community.

What is the greatest challenge facing your industry or field?

Trying to meet or accommodate the desires and expectations of the community

What advice would you give to someone interested in entering your field or profession?

The foundation is education. Getting the most education you can while you’re young is important. Once you are working you are working but as a young adult you can continue to learn with ease. I got a master degree urban planning but I wish I would have doubled Mastered in urban planning and public administration. Also going to Law school and getting a law degree would have been helpful.