MONROE - Martin Shanks began his tenure in Monroe as assistant city administrator in August 2012. Now, he leaves the city also as its director of community development, a force in bolstering new projects and fostering area businesses during his time with the city.
Shanks took part in internships with city administrators after graduation in May 2012 from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a master's degree in public administration. He had previously graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a double major in political science and public administration. Shanks said his interest in municipal development drove him to the jobs, which eventually led him to Monroe.
An internship supervisor who knew City Administrator Phil Rath was looking to hire an assistant administrator recommended Shanks pursue the job.
"He said, 'you should apply for that job, I know that would be a good gig for you,'" Shanks said.
In the beginning, Shanks filled a human resources role. As time passed, the need for other duties arose.
Once Pam Christopher, former executive director of Monroe Chamber of Commerce, resigned from her position in 2014, the new guy took a turn at helping develop opportunities for the city. And Shanks succeeded in some endeavors, working to bring more space to the city and provide easier avenues for existing businesses to improve. Shanks credited his work as part of a team, whether alongside Mike Johnson, former executive director of Green County Development Corporation, or fellow city employees like Building Inspector Ryan Lindsey and inspection Administrative Secretary Arianna Meier.
"I think we've really done a very good job of keeping things running smoothly as far as the zoning and building inspection and how that relates to economic development," Shanks said. "When people approach the city they have a lot smoother time going through the improvement processes, and I think we're also a lot more flexible."
Still, some ideas remain only half-realized. City zoning code is currently being overhauled but will continue to be worked on until fall. A proposed three-story apartment building a block north of the downtown Square is still in limbo, neither approved by the Monroe Common Council nor refused, despite the dedication of three separate council meetings to the subject.
Shanks worked to flesh out the award-winning 2015 Monroe Comprehensive Plan, which is a driving force behind the development of the dog park soon to be established in the north industrial park. The parcel of land north of Walmart commonly referred to as the Dolan property still needs to be developed, an acquisition that took two years to complete.
Each continuing development will have echoes of Shanks' work to make Monroe better.
"I think a theme I'm most proud of since I've been in the development role is just the improvement with the relationships between all of the organizations we have," Shanks said. "All of us have really worked well together and we all know our role well. We started the business retention expansion surveys ... Being able to show that kind of unity with businesses was important. I'm proud of that."
Though Shanks said he enjoyed his time with the city, meeting new people and developing a core team, the lure of his hometown and a job opportunity as village administrator of Poynette are too great. He departs in the same week Johnson leaves for his own hometown and an irresistible career opportunity.
Still, Shanks is confident development will continue and said he is certain when he checks in to see how the city is faring without him, all will be well.
Shanks took part in internships with city administrators after graduation in May 2012 from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee with a master's degree in public administration. He had previously graduated from UW-Stevens Point with a double major in political science and public administration. Shanks said his interest in municipal development drove him to the jobs, which eventually led him to Monroe.
An internship supervisor who knew City Administrator Phil Rath was looking to hire an assistant administrator recommended Shanks pursue the job.
"He said, 'you should apply for that job, I know that would be a good gig for you,'" Shanks said.
In the beginning, Shanks filled a human resources role. As time passed, the need for other duties arose.
Once Pam Christopher, former executive director of Monroe Chamber of Commerce, resigned from her position in 2014, the new guy took a turn at helping develop opportunities for the city. And Shanks succeeded in some endeavors, working to bring more space to the city and provide easier avenues for existing businesses to improve. Shanks credited his work as part of a team, whether alongside Mike Johnson, former executive director of Green County Development Corporation, or fellow city employees like Building Inspector Ryan Lindsey and inspection Administrative Secretary Arianna Meier.
"I think we've really done a very good job of keeping things running smoothly as far as the zoning and building inspection and how that relates to economic development," Shanks said. "When people approach the city they have a lot smoother time going through the improvement processes, and I think we're also a lot more flexible."
Still, some ideas remain only half-realized. City zoning code is currently being overhauled but will continue to be worked on until fall. A proposed three-story apartment building a block north of the downtown Square is still in limbo, neither approved by the Monroe Common Council nor refused, despite the dedication of three separate council meetings to the subject.
Shanks worked to flesh out the award-winning 2015 Monroe Comprehensive Plan, which is a driving force behind the development of the dog park soon to be established in the north industrial park. The parcel of land north of Walmart commonly referred to as the Dolan property still needs to be developed, an acquisition that took two years to complete.
Each continuing development will have echoes of Shanks' work to make Monroe better.
"I think a theme I'm most proud of since I've been in the development role is just the improvement with the relationships between all of the organizations we have," Shanks said. "All of us have really worked well together and we all know our role well. We started the business retention expansion surveys ... Being able to show that kind of unity with businesses was important. I'm proud of that."
Though Shanks said he enjoyed his time with the city, meeting new people and developing a core team, the lure of his hometown and a job opportunity as village administrator of Poynette are too great. He departs in the same week Johnson leaves for his own hometown and an irresistible career opportunity.
Still, Shanks is confident development will continue and said he is certain when he checks in to see how the city is faring without him, all will be well.