SUNNYSIDE, Wash. – The City of Sunnyside announced on Wednesday the hiring of new Community and Economic Development Director Derrick Braaten.
Braaten started on Oct. 1 and will oversee land use planning, building inspections, permitting and code enforcement. He will also update the City’s planning document and manage its contracted engineering firm, HLA.
“I’m extremely excited to be here at the City of Sunnyside,” said Braaten. “I have a long history of economic development and I wanted to embrace my passion for urban planning again.”
Braaten spent the last six years in Franklin County as the Planning and Building Director. During that time, he worked with current Sunnyside City Manager Mike Gonzalez who was previously the Franklin County Administrator.
“Derrick brings a wealth of knowledge to economic development, planning and land use expertise,” said Gonzalez. “He is the right person for the job. He is very customer service focused and always willing to go the extra mile for our residents.”
Braaten started his career as the Government Affairs Director for the Homebuilders of Spokane then became a planner and economic developer for the City of Airway Heights for 12 years.
“My goal is to bring housing here to Sunnyside and I believe if we have the correct processes in place, we’ll have hammers swinging quite a bit next spring,” said Braaten.
