Mayor Soglin Appoints Natalie Erdman Interim Director of Planning and Community and Economic Development

Madison Mayor Paul Soglin announced that Natalie Erdman, Madison's Executive Director of the Community Development Authority (CDA) will serve as interim Director of Planning and Community and Economic Development (PCED). The current Director Steve Cover has accepted a job in the Washington, D.C. area.

Erdman has served the City as the Executive Director of the CDA for the past four years. The CDA is a division of the Department of Planning and Community and Economic Development. As a housing authority, the CDA is tasked with the creation and operation of safe, sanitary, and affordable housing within the City. As a redevelopment authority, the CDA is responsible for the removal of blight and has the authority to develop, lease, manage, and own commercial property. The CDA administers federal rental assistance for approximately 1600 low-income households and owns and operates approximately 1100 apartments. The CDA also owns and operates a retail complex known as The Village on Park.

Before working for the City and the CDA, Erdman worked in Madison for fifteen years in real estate development with a specialization in development of affordable housing. She also previously worked as a commercial real estate lender for banking institutions including US Bank and Citigroup.

Erdman graduated from the UW-Madison School of Business with majors in both Finance and Real Estate Finance and Investment.

"We are really fortunate to have someone with Natalie's background, expertise, and experience in City government fully able to provide leadership on an interim basis," said Mayor Soglin. "She has been at the table for many of the projects currently planned and underway and has a great relationship with City staff and Alders. While we conduct a nation-wide search for a permanent replacement, I am confident the department is in good hands."

"It is an honor to work for the City and it has been a pleasure to be a part of the Planning, Community, and Economic Development team," said Erdman. "I have a great deal of respect for the skills and talents of my colleagues and am grateful for the opportunity to contribute to the work of the department."

Cover will leave his city position in late February. Erdman's overlapping appointment takes effect February 1.