Darren Groth, Aicp, Cpm Email & Phone Number

United States

Golden Valley, Minnesota, United States

Passionate public servant dedicated to driving positive change and enhancing quality of life. I manage the department's daily operations and oversee planning and zoning activities, ensuring regulatory compliance. I manage community development projects from conception to completion, coordinating with various city departments and external agencies. I also engage with the community by representing the department at public meetings, hearings, and events. My role also allows me to provide staff training, mentorship, and professional development; develop and implement city policies and programs; and conduct research and analysis to support policy decisions and program improvements.

Maple Grove, Minnesota, United States

I actively support residents, developers, and entrepreneurs in securing vital land use, development, and planning permits from various local authorities. My role involves research and analysis of zoning codes, land use regulations, and permit requirements to understand the precise guidelines governing each property or project. I take charge of preparing permit applications, assembling essential documentation, and completing application forms to ensure a comprehensive submission. Moreover, I function as a proactive liaison, bridging the gap between applicants and government agencies, navigating the permitting maze, addressing inquiries, and fostering seamless communication to expedite the process.

Mount Vernon, Washington, United States

I initiated a transformation within the Development Services Department, a multifaceted entity encompassing planning, building and inspections, code enforcement, parking enforcement, engineering project review, and GIS services. Recognized for my prowess in organizational change, I was sought after by management, City Council, and the mayor. Initially challenged by a departmental reputation for negativity and bottlenecked processes, I implemented strategic initiatives to revolutionize our approach to customer service.In just a few months, my relentless efforts bore fruit, garnering acclaim from the community and City Council. We swiftly implemented various improvements, such as accepting walk-in applications, offering 24/7 permit submissions, and revolutionizing our design review process. By addressing ambiguities in regulatory language and streamlining procedures, I worked to ensure projects progressed efficiently while upholding regulatory standards.These endeavors extended beyond mere process enhancements; they laid the foundation for a more responsive, customer-centric department. By clarifying regulatory requirements and eliminating unnecessary hurdles, the community was positioned for enduring success. The ripple effects of these changes will resonate for years to come, leaving a legacy of progress and innovation.

Edgewood, Wa

During my five-year tenure as the head of the Community and Economic Development Department, I navigated a period of significant transformation and propelled the department to new heights of stability and success. Witnessing remarkable growth and evolution, I left behind a team of exceptional leaders and dedicated employees poised to excel in their roles.Under my leadership, I revolutionized the department's approach by formalizing economic development initiatives, attracting a wave of investment interest from individuals and groups eager to contribute to Edgewood's prosperity. Amidst a period of explosive community growth, Edgewood emerged as a powerhouse, ranking as the second-fastest-growing city in the Puget Sound region in 2021, surpassing larger counterparts like Tacoma, Kirkland, and Bellevue—an achievement that underscored our collective dedication and vision.My crowning achievement, however, was orchestrating a sweeping wave of organizational metamorphosis. From modernizing our mapping services to nurturing a cadre of skilled leaders across key positions, we ushered in an era of efficiency and innovation. By overhauling cumbersome permitting processes and instituting robust templates and standard operating procedures, we transformed into a streamlined operation capable of meeting the demands of a rapidly evolving landscape.Throughout my tenure, the organization experienced unparalleled growth and maturity, laying the groundwork for sustained success and prosperity in the years to come. It was an honor to lead such a transformative journey, and I am proud to have played a pivotal role in shaping Edgewood's future.

Waxahachie, Tx

Upon assuming the role of Planning Director for the City of Waxahachie, I encountered a department in transition, with key personnel departing shortly before my arrival. Undeterred by the challenge, I swiftly took action, hiring three talented individuals within the first year to fortify our ranks and revitalize departmental operations.Embracing the opportunity for change, we embarked on a comprehensive overhaul of our application, review, and approval procedures, catalyzing a dramatic transformation in the development process. Our relentless efforts bore fruit, driving a surge in departmental efficiency as evidenced by a staggering 87% increase in application processing in fiscal 2016, despite only a modest 30% uptick in staffing.Harnessing the power of technology, we introduced an interactive online mapping service, revolutionizing research processes and empowering Waxahachie residents and developers with instant access to vital information. This game-changing tool not only slashed staff research time by over 75% but also served as a cornerstone for community engagement and collaboration.My tenure as Planning Director was characterized by innovation, teamwork, and tangible results. While I take pride in the strides made under my leadership, I am equally gratified to have passed the baton to a capable successor, who built upon our foundation of success to propel Waxahachie to even greater heights. The enduring legacy of our initiatives continues to shape the city's prosperity, affirming the transformative impact of our collective efforts.

As the inaugural member of the Development Services Department's pioneering gas well planning and regulatory division, I embarked on a journey to establish a dynamic team committed to excellence and innovation. With a keen eye for talent, I was able to select and mentor a motivated staff, instilling in them a relentless work ethic, unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction, and unparalleled expertise in their field.In my multifaceted role, I provided visionary leadership across diverse domains, including planning and land use, project management, permit review, code enforcement, and sustainable development. Spearheading the creation of our division marked a watershed moment for the city, heralding the birth of its first new business unit in over a decade.Navigating the transition from a fledgling startup to a premier organization demanded strategic foresight and decisive action. We implemented cutting-edge management practices and devised a comprehensive strategic plan to drive continuous improvement and long-term success. Our efforts culminated in a revolutionary overhaul of data management and visualization, catapulting our online repository and mapping system to national acclaim for its transparency and user-friendly interface.While my tenure at Denton may have concluded, the impact of our work endures, empowering countless community members to make informed decisions and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability that remains integral to the city's ethos.

In this pivotal role, I seamlessly blended my expertise as an environmental scientist with my passion for urban planning, navigating the uncharted waters of burgeoning gas drilling in Arlington. Tasked with overseeing the city's land use development within its natural gas regulatory program during a period of unprecedented growth, I assumed the mantle of project manager, orchestrating a symphony of complex tasks with finesse and precision.As the driving force behind the program's evolution, I meticulously reviewed and approved a myriad of development applications, ranging from zoning change requests to building permits, while conducting rigorous site inspections to ensure compliance with a labyrinth of regulatory frameworks. Crafting comprehensive staff reports, I adeptly evaluated the multifaceted impacts of each project, presenting my findings with clarity and authority to various commissions and City Council.Fuelled by a relentless drive for excellence, I spearheaded the expansion of the program from a solitary endeavor into a formidable team of planners, inspectors, and regulators. The legacy of my efforts endures through the enduring codes, ordinances, guidelines, and processes I established, which continue to serve as the bedrock of the organization's regulatory framework.Proudly laying the foundation for Arlington to effectively regulate this burgeoning industry, I am invigorated by the lasting impact of my contributions and remain steadfast in my commitment to driving progress and innovation in every endeavor.

During my brief four-month tenure with the City of Las Vegas, I found myself at the epicenter of a transformative period marked by unprecedented growth. In 2007, the Community Development Department experienced a surge in permit applications and customer demand that eclipsed previous records. The sheer volume of permits I processed during my time in Las Vegas rivaled the City of Edgewood's entire annual count during their rapid growth in 2018—a testament to the magnitude of activity and responsibility I undertook during those four months.Immersed in this whirlwind of activity, I discovered a profound passion for planning that continues to drive my professional journey. My time in Las Vegas not only exposed me to the intricacies of urban development but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for the power of strategic foresight and innovative solutions. It was here that my love affair with planning was ignited, shaping my career trajectory and imbuing me with a fervent dedication to driving positive change in communities.

Las Vegas, Nevada Area

As an environmental scientist across several dynamic consulting firms, I spearheaded a wide array of critical tasks central to the successful execution of construction and development projects throughout the vibrant landscape of the Las Vegas Valley. From conducting exhaustive zoning research and entitlement analysis to navigating the intricacies of permitting and project management, I served as the linchpin driving forward countless initiatives.Beyond my core responsibilities, I wielded my expertise to craft meticulous Phase I and Phase II Environmental Site Assessments (ESA) and adeptly prepared Request for Proposals (RFP) bids, demonstrating a knack for strategic thinking and persuasive communication. Delving deeper into the regulatory landscape, I lent my expertise to the preparation of Environmental Assessments (EA) and played a pivotal role in drafting Environment Impact Statements (EIS) in strict adherence to the rigorous standards outlined in the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA).Furthermore, my role took me to captivating destinations in support of the Department of Defense's DERP-FUDS program, offering me the opportunity to apply my skills in diverse and challenging environments. With each endeavor, I relished the opportunity to leverage my expertise to overcome obstacles and drive tangible outcomes, leaving an indelible mark on the projects and communities I served.

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Harnessing my exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation skills, I thrived in the high-octane realm of retail sales. Through my adept handling of dynamic situations, I clinched a coveted 'Top-50' sales ranking in 2004, a testament to my unwavering dedication, ability to excel under pressure, and my outstanding abilities in providing exceptional customer service.

Nellis Afb, Las Vegas, Nv

As a Dedicated Crew Chief for multiple F-15 tactical aircraft, I excelled in safeguarding and maintaining multi-million-dollar assets. Acting as a project manager, I meticulously oversaw all maintenance and provisioning operations, ensuring these aircraft were always mission-ready. My role demanded unwavering vigilance, precision, and leadership, exemplifying my commitment to excellence and dedication to supporting and defending our nation.

Master Of Public Administration - Mpa

Executive MPA from the highly rated Evans School of Public Policy & Governance

Certified Public Manager (Cpm), Public Administration

Completed management courses through Texas State University to earn the CPM designation from the National Certified Public Manager.

Master'S Degree, City/Urban, Community And Regional Planning

Master of City and Regional Planning (MCRP)

Graduate Certificate, Law & Public Policy

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Geography

Activities and Societies: Student President - University of Minnesota Association of Geographers (UMAG)Bachelor's degree in geography.

Associate Of Applied Science (A.A.S.), Aviation Maintenance Technology

I obtained my associate degree from the Community College of the Air Force (CCAF) through coursework completed at the University.

High School Diploma

Education record

Education record