Mayor Marc Laredo announced Thursday, via email to the community, that he’s nominating Catherine Feerick as new director of Planning and Development.

Feerick has an extensive background in urban planning. She has served as Foxborough’s director of land use and economic development for the past two years. In fact, she helped with site plan reviews for this year’s World Cup.

Before that, she was economic development director for Attleboro, where she oversaw new zoning for a state program that incentivized housing and a downtown business revitalization program.

“Catherine brings nearly two decades of experience in planning, economic development, housing, and community revitalization, along with a proven record of helping communities grow thoughtfully while preserving what makes them special,” Laredo wrote in his announcement.

Barney Heath, former planning director, left in January along with Deputy Director Jen Caira, creating a void in that department at a time when the city is undergoing the most building construction it’s seen in decades and officials grapple simultaneously with a housing shortage and climate crisis.

Feerick’s appointment will go before the City Council, likely next month, Laredo said.