After the Seattle City Council confirmed Mayor Ed Murray’s nominee to lead the newly created Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections, Nathan Torgelson was sworn as the department’s first director. Previously, Torgelson was deputy director of the Department of Planning and Development.
“As a proven leader with a strong track record at the City, Nathan is the right person to launch our new agency,” said Murray. “I look forward to his continued leadership on the regulatory issues governing housing and construction. Seattle’s current building boom and our expanding inspection efforts to support the quality of rental housing will certainly keep him busy.”
Torgelson has 25 years’ experience in land use, planning and economic development in various roles at the City of Seattle and Kent. He has dedicated his career in the public sector to improving communities and the built environment.
“I am honored to have this opportunity to serve as the director of the new Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections,” said Torgelson. “We will continue our work to improve rental housing conditions and reach out to our community leaders on how decisions can be shaped through positive community engagement.”
As coordinated planning is elevated to the new Office of Planning and Community Development, the existing regulatory functions of the Department of Planning and Development – permits, code enforcement and inspections – will be housed in the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections.