City of River Falls
Amy Peterson, CPM, AICP, LEED AP has extensive work experience in various roles related to community development, planning, and project management. Amy currently serves as the Community Development Director at the City of River Falls, where they provide leadership and direction for economic development, planning, building services, engineering, and project management. In this role, they actively guide the physical development of the community and provides guidance to key stakeholders. Amy also held the position of Development Services Director at the same organization from 2016 to 2020.
Prior to their current role, Amy worked at the City of La Crosse as the Planning & Economic Development Administrator, where they managed economic development programs, assisted with large-scale planning projects, and furthered sustainability efforts. Amy also served as the Interim Planning & Development Director during their tenure at the City of La Crosse.
Amy's earlier experience includes roles at MSA Professional Services as a Project Planner, WI DNR as an Associate Forest Planner, ECICOG as a Project Administrator, ARDC as a Planner, and Minnesota Pollution Control Agency as a Planning Paraprofessional. Overall, Amy's work experience spans over two decades and they have demonstrated expertise in community development, planning, and project management.
Amy Peterson, CPM, AICP, LEED AP, holds a Master of Environmental Planning degree (MLS) from the University of Minnesota Duluth, which they obtained from 2000 to 2002. Prior to that, they earned a Bachelor of Science degree (BS) in Forestry from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point between 1988 and 1993.
In addition to their educational background, Amy has obtained several certifications. Amy is a Certified Public Manager, which they achieved in May 2022 through the National Certified Public Manager Consortium. Amy has also completed training in the NCI National Charrette System from the National Charrette Institute, earning certification in January 2014. Amy is a Certified Planner (AICP), granted by the American Planning Association in January 2010. Lastly, they became a LEED Accredited Professional in July 2008, awarded by the Green Building Certification Institute.
City of River Falls
The City of River Falls is a thriving and growing community located about 30 miles east of the Minneapolis/St. Paul area in Northwestern Wisconsin. With a population of more than 15,000 residents and 6,400 college students, the City offers the best Wisconsin has to offer. The community has a low cost-of-living, a low crime rate and an excellent quality of life for those that embrace “small town living." There is scenic beauty, seasonal entertainment, as well as small town charm in River Falls. There are a myriad of outdoor activities for residents and visitors at the beautiful parks, as well as walking and biking paths. The City is home to the Kinnickinnic River, a Class I trout stream, with six golf courses within a 15 mile radius of the community. Nearby residents and visitors alike frequent Willow River State Park and the St. Croix River. All enjoy the festivals and parades as a part of the River Falls Days and the River Falls Bluegrass and Roots Festival. River Falls was chosen as a “dreamtown” by Demographics Daily, a division of the American City Business Journals. The City offers superior educational opportunities at the River Falls Public School District with eight schools serving about 3,050 students. It is home to the University of Wisconsin – River Falls, as well as the Chippewa Valley Technical College. The City's annual budget is about $40 million with over 100 full-time positions. The City also operates electric, water, storm water, and waste water utilities, a large park and trails system, and multiple recreation programs. The City is managed by a city administrator who is appointed by the Mayor and 7-member Common Council.