Rockford official on extended administrative leave

Rockford Director of Community and Economic Development Karl Franzen is on administrative leave from his job with the city.

Franzen went on leave several weeks ago. Officials would not specify the reason for the leave or say if it is a paid administrative leave.

As community and economic development director, Franzen is the leader and manager of myriad city functions and officials including zoning, land use planning and building and permitting in addition to neighborhood and economic development.

City Administrator Todd Cagnoni is covering Franzen's duties in his absence.

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Franzen worked for the Rockford Area Economic Development Council before he was hired by the city's Economic Development Department in 2016. Mayor Tom McNamara named him director in 2018.

There was no information provided on when Franzen might return.

Jeff Kolkey writes about government, economic development and other issues for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at  (815) 987-1374, via email at jkolkey@rrstar.com and on X @jeffkolkey.

This article originally appeared on Rockford Register Star: It is unclear when Rockford's economic development leader will return