West Linn Hires Community Development Director

WEST LINN, OR – Aug 28, 2025 – The City of West Linn is pleased to welcome Steve Koper as Community Development Director beginning Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Koper, most recently the Assistant Community Development Director for the City of Tualatin, brings nearly two decades of experience building safe, resilient, and thriving communities here in Oregon.

Koper’s experience is ideally suited to West Linn’s planning needs, including critical housing strategy, urban renewal opportunities, economic development, and transportation system plans—all important to West Linn’s long-term initiatives like VISION43 and the Waterfront Project. Koper worked with stakeholders on the adoption of two urban renewal districts. He and his team tackled a multi-year project that culminated in the adoption of a Housing Production Strategy, Housing Needs Analysis, and Economic Opportunities Analysis, as well as significant updates to the Tualatin Comprehensive Plan. Together with the community, his team drove the creation of a new Mixed-Use Commercial zoning district in the Bridgeport Village area.

Koper looks forward to the opportunity to collaborate with West Linn’s community, saying, “I’m honored to join West Linn as Community Development Director and to work alongside Council, City Manager John Williams, staff, and our dedicated community members. I’m excited to help advance the long-term vision shaped by our residents through initiatives like VISION43 and the Waterfront Project. Together, we’ll build on the City’s strong foundation and create opportunities for everyone to thrive.”

City Manager John Williams echoes that enthusiasm: “As Community Development Director, Steve will play a big part in keeping the ball rolling on our ambitious Waterfront and VISION43 projects to ensure that the community’s vision for these areas comes to pass. He’ll coordinate the work of our teams to move forward the City’s economic development and land use goals. Steve has an impressive background, strong regional connections, and a commitment to public service. We’re thrilled to have Steve join our team!”

Koper is a member of the American Planning Association’s (APA) American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He earned a Juris Doctor from Lewis & Clark Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He enjoys spending his free time outdoors, skiing, hiking, and exploring with his wife and two sons.

For more information about employment opportunities with the City of West Linn, visit www.westlinnoregon.gov or www.governmentjobs.com/careers/westlinn.