All year long, we’re celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States with special programs, including Kingston Meet Yourself, a series that puts a face to the people who keep our community running. It’s part civics, part “day in the life,” and part Q&A. We’re kicking things off with Bartek Starodaj, the City’s Director of Housing Initiatives.

Ever wondered what Housing Initiatives actually does? Curious about affordable housing or accessory dwelling units? Do you want to learn more about new housing that the City of Kingston is involved with and what’s next? Come ask your questions, satisfy your curiosity, and—of course—meet yourself.

No registration required, meet in the Community Room.

Bartek Starodaj is an urban policy professional with experience in urban development, policy, and communications. He holds a B.A. in Environmental & Urban Studies and an M.S. in Environmental Policy from Bard College. Since joining the City of Kingston in 2022, he has led major land-use initiatives, including the City’s successful 2023 adoption of a new form-based zoning code, and works to advance Kingston’s goal of approving 1,000 new housing units by 2029. He was a founding board member of the Kingston City Land Bank and served on its board for six years.

Previously, Starodaj worked in Washington, D.C. on the German Marshall Fund’s Urban and Regional Policy team, supporting transatlantic development initiatives among major U.S. and European cities. He has also worked in the private sector as a lead account manager for two local marketing agencies.

He can often be found biking around Kingston with his two young children.