Kirstin Jensen has been Deputy Chief of Staff to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and Housing, the Honourable Steve Clark, since July 2022. She joined the Ministry in December 2020 as a Senior Policy Advisor for Planning and Development and was promoted to Director of Policy in May 2021. From April to July 2022, she served as Chief of Staff, overseeing the Royal Assent of the Province’s historic legislation, Bill 109. She plays an integral role in the development of various pieces of legislation and policy decisions of the Ministry, providing policy analysis and recommendations aimed at increasing market and rental supply, streamlining the land use planning system, and challenging affordability and homelessness. Kirstin’s experience in land use planning and planning policy has influenced key decisions on several Official Plan approvals, Housing Supply Action Plans, and the new Provincial Planning Statement. She holds a Master of Planning in Urban Development from Ryerson University, a Master of Arts in Political Science from McMaster University, concentrating in Canadian Politics and Public Policy, and an Honours BA from Brock University, majoring in Political Science with a minor in Criminology. Kirstin was previously the Manager of Planning & Government Relations at the West End Home Builders’ Association and spent time as a Planner with the City of St. Catharines. Her interests include planning policy, land use planning and development, and creating complete communities, with a keen interest in new urbanism. Outside of her career, Kirstin is an avid soccer player and golfer.