HASTINGS, Neb. – The new Hastings Director of Development Services isn't so new to the city. 

Kevin Kubo is back on staff with the City of Hastings after spending three years as the city's Chief Building Official from Nov. 2021 to Nov. 2024. 

"It's like I never left," said Kubo. "Everything flows right back in, and we start working together again, and that's good."

Kubo spent roughly six months at a similar position to his old job in Fremont, but said he didn't see the same support system there as he did in Hastings, leading him to his return to Hastings. 

Kubo says there are some similarities and differences from his old position, but he wants to give this new position 120%. 

"I told Mark (Funkey) in my interview, I want to do 60% planning and 60% building. I have a two-sided coin now that I'll have to flip over all the time," said Kubo. "It'll be challenging, but I think it'll be a good challenge for me. Both of them will be a priority for me to provide a good service to the public."

According to Kubo, he's settling in well. He says multiple people working in the Development Services Department worked with him closely in his old job, which is providing a sense of familiarity. 

His goal to be fully transparent in all public information that relates to the department. 

"I want to increase the city's presence in the public. I want to be a face that people can come up to and talk to, ask questions, I'm not judgmental," said Kubo. "Tony (Herrman) and I have been working together for the last couple of years doing more public engagements, doing events together. We're not there to do anything other than be there, show that we support that event, then answer questions if someone has a question."

Kubo says his next steps in his new role is to reestablish connections with developers and contractors either currently doing work or planning to do work in Hastings.