Hagerstown Appoints Housing and Community Liaison to Streamline Development Process

The City of Hagerstown has established a new role, Housing and Community Liaison, and appointed Sue Kyler to this position, aiming to bridge the gap between developers, property owners, and city departments. This initiative stems from feedback received from developers and business owners who expressed a perceived disconnect with the city’s inspections and permitting processes. The creation of this position is intended to provide a knowledgeable point of contact to guide stakeholders through the necessary procedures and to foster an environment where suggestions for improvement can be considered, ultimately facilitating a more efficient development process.

Sue Kyler brings extensive experience and institutional knowledge to her new role, having been with the City of Hagerstown since 2004. She previously served for nearly 18 years as a Code Compliance Inspector before transitioning to the Department of Community & Economic Development in June 2022 as a Project and Program Coordinator. Her long tenure with the city has allowed her to build significant relationships and gain a deep understanding of its operations, making her well-suited to address the challenges of navigating the permitting and inspection systems. The city administration highlighted that Kyler’s background as an inspector provides her with the expertise needed to help smooth the process for those developing or owning property within Hagerstown.

The responsibilities of the Housing and Community Liaison extend beyond standard inspection and plan evaluation. Kyler is tasked with acting as a central communication channel between property owners and the municipality, ensuring clarity and effectiveness in all interactions. She will serve as a vital resource for property owners, landlords, and developers, offering guidance on building codes, permit applications, and inspection requirements. Furthermore, her role involves actively assisting with the inspection process by coordinating efforts among city staff, homeowners, and contractors, aiming to preempt potential issues and prevent delays.

A key objective of this new position is to proactively promote positive relationships among all parties involved, including contractors, developers, homeowners, and city personnel. Through customer-focused service and outreach initiatives, Kyler will work to foster an atmosphere of cooperation and mutual understanding. Maintaining open lines of communication and providing timely support are central to her duties, as she connects stakeholders with the appropriate city departments and personnel to address their needs efficiently. By taking a proactive approach to identifying and resolving potential problems early, the aim is to ensure smoother and more productive outcomes for development projects and property-related matters within Hagerstown. In addition to these core functions, Kyler will also coordinate meetings and prepare project summaries, and provide assistance to homeowners with processing applications for Department of Housing and Community Development programs.

Individuals seeking assistance or information related to the housing and community liaison role can reach Sue Kyler via email at skyler@hagerstownmd.org or by phone at 301-739-8577, extension 133.

Article by Mel Anara, based upon information from the City of Hagerstown.

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