Christopher M. Schutte serves as the director of the Office of Economic & Community Development for the Municipality of Anchorage. Appointed by Mayor Ethan Berkowitz in 2015, Chris is responsible for the coordination and management of municipal departments and divisions working to improve the community’s economic vitality; facilitate commercial and residential property development; enforce building and land use codes; and manage regional planning projects. Additionally, he oversees community programs and facilities that contribute to the quality of life for those who live, work, and play in Anchorage.

Prior to his appointment, Chris served as the executive director for Anchorage Downtown Partnership, Ltd., a private not-for-profit organization that manages the city’s Downtown Improvement District. For more than 10 years, Chris worked to keep downtown Anchorage clean, safe, and vital. Chris served on the Project Management Group for the Downtown Anchorage Comprehensive Plan in 2006-2007 and the Technical Advisory Committee for the Anchorage Original Neighborhoods Historic Preservation Plan in 2011-2012.

Chris currently serves on the Board of Directors for Anchorage Economic Development Corporation, Anchorage Community Development Authority, the Anchorage Chamber of Commerce, Visit Anchorage, and the Anchorage Museum. An avid mountain biker, Chris also serves on the Board of Directors for the Arctic Bicycle Club’s Mountain Race Division.

Chris received his B.A. in political science from the University of Alaska Anchorage. He received his M.A. in American politics from Claremont Graduate University.