The director of housing and economic development for the city of Portland, Greg Watson, has resigned.
Watson had been on paid administrative leave since March, after having been summoned for an alleged assault on Congress Street on Feb. 20.
That case was dropped last month, with Cumberland County District Attorney Jacqueline Sartoris finding that the charge against Watson lacked sufficient evidence, and Watson had returned to the office briefly.
The city announced his departure.
Watson, who had an urban planning background, had led the housing and economic development office since 2023.
Dena Libner, assistant city manager, had been serving as the interim director in Watson’s absence. Pat Finnigan will replace Libner as interim director of housing and economic development on Tuesday, Aug. 25.
“Finnigan has significant municipal leadership experience, having served as the city manager of Auburn for more than a decade,” said Jessica Grondin, director of communications for the city. “She has also served as town manager in Ogunquit and Camden, and as an assistant city manager in Portland.”
Grondin added that the search for a new director of housing and economic development is expected to start soon.
