Svavar Pálsson takes the helm of Húnabyggð

Svavar Pálsson became municipal manager of Húnabyggð on October 1, after 22 years as district commissioner in Húsavík, mbl.is reports. He is a lawyer by training and grew up in Blönduós, a town in the municipality.

“The job is busy but interesting. Many people want to share their views and interests at meetings, and I get 50 emails a day. That tells us the community is alive,” Pálsson said.

Changes to the country’s district commissioner offices are due to take effect at the turn of the year. Pálsson said that was one reason he chose a new direction and returned to Blönduós, where he had not lived for 35 years. “Blönduós is fundamentally built on the old rural community I grew up in. Naturally, a lot has changed,” he said.

A data centre operated by Borealis is being expanded on the edge of Blönduós. More than 100 people are working on the project, and its regular operations are expected to create dozens of varied jobs. The influx of construction workers has also brought more business to local shops and restaurants, and led to longer opening hours at the town’s sports centre, Pálsson said.

About 850 people live in Blönduós and around 1,400 in Húnabyggð, a municipality that includes towns and rural communities. Pálsson said the municipality’s work includes education, welfare and planning for the long term. He also sees room to strengthen tourism, along with knowledge development, cultural activities and museums, alongside the industrial growth under way.