Fiscal Note
No expenditure required.
Title
Honoring Steven R. Cover on his tenure as the city's Director of the Planning & Community & Economic Development Department and wishing him well in all his future endeavors.
Body
WHEREAS, in 2011 Steven R. Cover left the land of the Georgia Tech Tigers to come to the land of the Wisconsin Badgers to lead the City of Madison's Department of Planning & Community & Economic Development (DPCED), and
WHEREAS during the next four years, he led DPCED staff and the City through an epic boom of construction, where DPCED staff successfully guided the development of thousands of new residential units and the creation of significant new commercial space; and,
WHEREAS, Steve, a loyal rider of Madison Metro's Route 14, helped DPCED staff commence work on Madison in Motion, a long term transportation plan, that explores strategies that will make the City more walkable, bikeable and transit-oriented as it grows and contribute to the building of a sustainable, people-friendly city; and,
WHEREAS, under his leadership, DPCED undertook important and informative work on the City of Madison's biennial Housing Strategy Report which has identified gaps in the City's housing supply and was responsible for helping to launch a much needed affordable housing initiative; and,
WHEREAS, under his leadership, DPCED commenced work on a place-based economic development strategy for a more innovative, prosperous and equitable economy; and,
WHEREAS, he played an instrumental leadership role in fostering redevelopment within the City's Capitol East District; and,
WHEREAS, he fostered a culture of workplace engagement and fun in many ways including the creation of the annual employee talent show which brought new meaning to the use of departmental cue cards, puppets, kites, and wigs while showcasing Steve's talents as a singer and standup comic imitating the likes of Rodney Dangerfield, the Blues Brother, and the Beatles and reminded all of us why we have our day jobs.
WHEREAS, DPCED manager meetings will be shorter but less entertaining without his one liners, puns, limitless sports trivia, and "this day in history"; and,
WHEREAS, Steve has decided to return to his roots in the Baltimore-Washington region where he can resume the use of his cherished, Baltimore Ravens season tickets.
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT, the Common Council and City of Madison staff thank Steven R. Cover for his contributions and dedication to the City of Madison; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT, the Common Council and City of Madison Staff wish him well in his future endeavors in Arlington, Virginia