Monterey County Names Housing and Community Development Department Interim Director; Fills Key Positions in Department

Monterey County has selected Mike Novo, former Monterey County Planning Director, to be Interim Director of the Housing and Community Development. Mike will lead the newly-formed department as the county recruits for a permanent director, replacing outgoing Director Carl Holm who is retiring from the County on Saturday, January 23 after almost 20 years of service. Novo is a familiar face around the county having retired as Monterey County Planning Director in 2016 and later returned in a part-time role to process some major land use projects and act as Zoning Administrator. Novo’s first day as Interim Director is expected to be Tuesday, January 26 as the County Board of Supervisors needs to approve this action. In addition to Interim Director, two key positions have been filled in Monterey County’s newly formed Housing and Community Development Department. Erik Lundquist has been named Chief of Planning. Lundquist has a degree in Planning from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Master’s in Public Administration from University of San Francisco. He is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He most recently worked at Hogan Land Services in Santa Cruz County but has had previous government experience with the City of Calistoga, Counties of Lake and San Luis Obispo. Lundquist will start work on February 1, 2021. Josh Bowling has been named Chief of Building Services. Bowling is a 15-year veteran with the county. He started in 2005 as a land use technician, working his way through the ranks as a Building Inspector, Code Compliance Manager, Building Services Manager and Interim Building Official. Bowling began his new duties January 16, 2021.