Cary to Serve as Interim Building and Safety Director
Published on May 30, 2025
Mayor Leirion Gaylor Baird today announced that David Cary, Planning Department Director, will serve as the Interim Building and Safety Director. The City announced April 29 that Building and Safety Director Chad Blahak accepted the position of Project Assurance Leader at Olsson. Blahak’s last day with the City will be June 27.
“David’s decades of experience supporting growth and development in Lincoln and Lancaster County make him the right choice to lead both departments during this transitional period,” Mayor Gaylor Baird said. “He understands the value added by the Building and Safety Department as we work to ensure strong foundations for our community members’ safety, prosperity, and quality of life.”
Cary has served as Planning Department Director since 2019, after serving five years as Interim Planning Director. He previously worked in the Planning Department as a Transportation Planner from 2003 to 2012 and then as the Long-Range Planning Manager from 2012 to 2014.
Cary earned his master’s degree in Regional Planning from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst and his bachelor’s degree from the University of Notre Dame.
”I am excited to help lead the Building and Safety Department during this transitional period. We will continue the Department’s efforts to make permitting as easy as possible for both professional builders and do-it-yourself homeowners,” Cary said.
The Building and Safety Department is responsible for ensuring that all construction, renovation, and occupancy of buildings within Lincoln meet established safety codes and regulations. The department employs about 60 staff who review construction plans, issue permits, and perform inspections.
The department also includes housing inspectors who assess residential properties for habitability and code compliance. Together, these teams help maintain safe, livable environments for Lincoln’s residents and businesses.
The Building and Safety Department is also a part of the Development Services Center, which works with Lincoln and Lancaster County agencies – Health, Planning, Transportation and Utilities, and Urban Development – to streamline the land development process and support safety, economic growth, and quality of life for Lincoln and Lancaster County residents.
For more information, visit lincoln.ne.gov/building.