Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey wants interim City Coordinator Mark Ruff to stay in the job indefinitely.
Ruff has been serving in the post since October, when his predecessor, Nuria Rivera-Vandermyde, left to take a job in Austin, Texas.
The city coordinator is the highest-ranking nonelected position in city government, advising elected officials and managing seven departments, including human resources and finance.
In his time on the job, Ruff has advised city officials on issues including race-equity planning, the 911 system and the response to the fire that destroyed the former Francis Drake Hotel. He also fielded questions about the city's attempts to bill President Donald Trump's campaign for the costs of his October rally.
"At a time of national upheaval, city governments need to be able to create trust and stability for their residents," Frey said in a statement Wednesday. "Mark commands trust from leaders throughout city hall — department heads, council members, staff, and myself. That trust and his experience navigating complex challenges are what Minneapolis needs right now."
Frey said he selected Ruff after a national search and interviews conducted by city officials.
Ruff served as the city's chief financial officer starting in 2016. Before coming to the city, he worked for Ehlers, a Roseville-based firm that consults for municipalities.
Ruff must now be confirmed by City Council.
