Jon Commers, Principal

Jon translates public finance and economics, planning and urban design concepts, and perception of cultural and political dynamics into effective project management and redevelopment strategy. Commers is tasked with identifying and aligning the ingredients of successful urban places as founder and principal of Donjek, and as a member of the Metropolitan Council, the regional governance agency for the Minneapolis Saint Paul area.

Clients in private, public and philanthropic sectors – frequently brought together on Donjek projects – find that the Donjek model delivers a superior end product than one emerging from groups limited to single-discipline specialists.

Jon was appointed by Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton to represent Saint Paul on the Metropolitan Council, where he chairs the Land Use Advisory Committee and is a member of the Transportation and Community Development Committees. He served on the Saint Paul Planning Commission for six years, where he was elected chair. Jon is also a co-founder of Strong Towns, a virtual nonprofit organization focused on improving the fiscal health of communities through productive land use. He lives in Saint Paul with his wife Beth and their children.

View a current resume for Jon Commers