Grande Prairie’s new Community Growth Director has brought with him close to 30 years of experience in municipal governments, most of which was spent in the City of Calgary.
Koji Miyaji has worked in everything from economic development to public transit, but says he loves working with people the most.
“I think it’s important to be able to work and communicate with people as a civil sector employee, and that’s the part that I enjoy the most; I can do that in many places, but it’s one element.”
Miyaji took over on January 12th, replacing Janette Ferguson, who retired after 36 years with the City.
Over the past three weeks, he has been familiarizing himself with all of the complex issues surrounding Grande Prairie.
He’s found the planning aspects surrounding annexation particularly interesting so far, and says he’s impressed what what he’s seen at city hall so far.
“I’m just excited to be able to tackle all the different aspects, and I’m still learning what the various issues are, so I’m looking forward to learning those quickly and trying to participate and contribute as much as I can.”
Miyaji was most recently was the CAO of the Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission.
His wife and children will join him in the spring.