Rankin named Sisters’ new planning director

Brian Rankin is the new planning director for the City of Sisters.

However, he is not a new face around the department. Rankin has worked for the department for five years, the first two on a contract basis and the last three as a city employee.

Sisters Mayor Dave Elliott said the personnel change has been in the works for a while.

“He felt he was ready to take over the reins,” said Elliott. “It was a natural transition.”

“It took me a couple years to learn the ropes and benefit from the experience of the two previous directors,” said Rankin.

Former Planning Director Bill Adams had been a contract employee for the past two years. He took over from Neil Thompson.

Elliott said Rankin has “excellent” skills and background to take the position at this busy time in the growth of the city.

Elliott said Rankin keeps developers “on the straight and narrow” while working with them on the submittal process.

Also, Elliott said Rankin is “great” with the public.

“He’s young and he works hard,” added Elliott.

Elliot said the Planning Department has a full plate and more planners will be needed to work on Rankin’s team.

“It’s an exciting time to be working with Sisters,” said Rankin.

Rankin is a 10-year resident of Central Oregon.

After graduating from Univeristy of California, Davis, he worked in the private sector in Bend as a planning consultant.