Blaine County Planning Director Linda Haavik is stepping down. After 30 years of public service in the Wood River Valley, Haavik is resigning from her current post after 13 years with the county. Haavik spent 14 years previously with the city of Ketchum as a city planner and the planning administrator.
That experience contributed to her comprehensive and in-depth expertise and knowledge of local land-use policy as well as state land-use statutes. Haavik has developed long-term relationships with area planners, developers, attorneys, surveyors and engineers, and hopes to use her Rolodex and reputation to work in the private sector.
"I've tried to run a fair and even office and treat people like human beings. That's really important to me." Haavik said. "The relationships that I have developed over 30 years—it's just an incredible network of people I have worked with. Some have become friends, other are colleagues."
Haavik said after spending the holidays with her family, she will take some time to reflect on what she wants to do next. "I am going to see if I can work in the private sector and do a little consulting."
She said she would like to help people achieve their planning goals, adding that the public interest will remain at the forefront of her mind. "My commitment is to helping the public interest. Looking out for the community at large. It remains my interest."
Haavik said her perspective may be different now, but she said there are many people whom she feels she can help both at a municipal and a regional level.
"I'm going to keep my options open," Haavik said. "I have a lot of people to offer help and to draw from."
Haavik began her public service career in northeast Minnesota working with a regional development commission for seven counties funded by the state. She began working for Blaine County by shepherding the existing master plan through the final stages in 1995, which constituted about five or six years worth of work, she said.
"I think we're starting to see the impacts of southern Idaho communities affecting one another," Haavik said, when asked what she thought about regional planning in relation to her experience. "I believe that I can look at a big picture and see how one area's actions affect another."
"The Board of County Commissioners will miss Linda and her wealth of experience and understanding of land-use public processes and regulations," said Commission Chairwoman Sarah Michael. "We know that she will be in demand and we have asked her to commit some of her time to continue to assist us on important planning projects."
But, for now, Haavik, who plans to remain a Hailey resident, is keeping her options open for her next step in life. For once in a long time, she has no plans.
Blaine County Planning Director Linda Haavik announced her resignation this week. Photo by David N. Seelig
