As a Community Development and Urban Planning professional specializing in consulting for small to medium-sized cities, I provide tailored expertise during critical transitional periods, particularly when cities are seeking to hire new staff or temporarily fill key roles. My role involves stepping in to ensure continuity in vital planning and development functions while the city conducts a search for permanent employees.This consultancy could oversee daily operations within departments such as zoning, planning, and development services, ensuring that essential functions are maintained without interruption. I also collaborate with city leadership to refine and streamline processes, identify immediate priorities, and address pressing needs within the planning department.Moreover, I offer support in guiding cities through the recruitment process by assessing their staffing needs, defining the roles and responsibilities required for long-term success, and assisting with tBy acting as a bridge during these staffing transitions, I help cities maintain momentum in their community development and urban planning initiatives. I ensure that ongoing projects and city operations continue smoothly while preparing the foundation for new leadership to step in.

As the Director of Community Development, I provided oversight to multiple divisions including Engineering, Planning, Building and Code Enforcement. I was in constant contact and collaborated with adjacent cities and counties in efforts to coordinate any efforts or remove duplicative processes. I oversaw the city's general plan, while ensuring all municipal codes, zoning, subdivision and other processing procedures were reviewed and foloowed by staff during the review the review process. Oversaw the larger complex planning projects, including analyzing and evaluating site and architectural plans, performing technical review for project plans and applications and helping to formulate appropriate recommendations. In addition, I reviewed and recommended the budgeting process for these divisions. I also created cross-training opportunities interdepartmentally to encourage professional development and to also reduce the siloed effect to the customers calling into the City. Furthermore, I provided recommendations to Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and City Council agenda items.Achievements⇨ Implemented efficiencies within the divisions (process improvement, templates, weekly checklists updating permits, applications, and easy to follow FAQ's) for the Development Review Process. ⇨ Created online GIS platform to review home data, zoning info, Major Thoroughfare info and the Comprehensive plan so both internal and external customers would have access.⇨ implemented change to the subdivision review process to further streamline our online plat submittal process and to remove additional steps and confusion.

As the Assistant Director of Planning and Development, I provided oversight to multiple divisions including Planning, Building and Community Development and collaborated with adjacent and adjoining cities and counties that impact Baytown. I also formulated and applied general plan, municipal code, zoning, subdivision and processing procedures to review the development project proposals; reviewed zoning approval for building permits, and business licenses for various locations throughout the City for compliance with city zoning regulations. Served as a project manager for complex planning projects, including analyzing and evaluating site and architectural plans, performing technical review for project plans and applications and making appropriate recommendations. In addition, I improved operations budgeting process by integrating budgeting with senior operations and financial models to allow more scenario development and faster response to changes. I also created cross-training opportunities interdepartmentally to encourage professional development. Furthermore, I provided recommendations to Planning and Zoning Commission, Board of Adjustment, and City Council agenda items. Achievements⇨ Served as the Interim Director during a major three-month transitional period within the organization. ⇨ Implemented efficiencies within the division (process improvement, templates, weekly checklists providing permits, applications, and answers to questions prior to construction) for the Development Review Process including a liaison to developers providing direction for large and complex developments.⇨ Negotiated the creation and adoption of City supported Covenants and Deed Restrictions as necessary for development within Industrial Districts and other areas of interest to the City.⇨ Developed and implemented online plat submittal during the pandemic to ensure continuity within the community and the department.

During my career tenure as the Senior Planning Manager, I developed strategies to promote economic and community development or efficient land use consistent with community goals as well as conducted review of various development applications including permits, site plans, variance requests and rezoning. Moreover, I reviewed applications for residential, commercial and industrial development, evaluated alternatives and conformance with City policies, ordinances, the General Plan and state and federal laws. I prepared staff reports to the Planning Commission and City Council regarding the applications. In addition, I coordinated with the applications for residential, commercial and industrial development and prepared staff reports to the Planning Commission and City Council regarding the applications. Furthermore, I assessed and prepared reports/recommendations regarding land use, infrastructure improvement, environmental requirements and other matters; analyzed planning issues and determined project schedules and priorities.Achievements⇨ Served on taskforce responsible for implementing an overlay district for the San Jacinto corridor to act as a catalyst for growth and development in a new area of Baytown.⇨ Streamlined the City’s Major Thoroughfare Plan and the Policy and Procedures Manual for the Building and Planning Department.⇨ Initiated City LED conversion project for all streetlights.

As the Contract Compliance Inspector, I was responsible for contract compliance and quality control of The Township’s multimillion-dollar Solid Waste Service Contract with Waste Management (trash, recycling and green debris) and Parks and Recreation Maintenance Service Contract with BIO Landscaping Inc., in excess of 1 million dollars. Furthermore, I observed and reported inefficiencies with service. I inspected 123 parks, random sections of the 180 miles of pathway, and 303 jumbo cul-de- sacs in accordance with approved contract specifications. In addition, I monitored service levels and performed audits system-wide for parks and recreation and waste management services to determine compliance, scope creep and/or possible waste stream contamination. I also created plans for recycling at three high profile parks, for special event zero waste initiatives at five events and to increase apartment complexes diversion rates. Moreover, I submitted daily, weekly and quarter summative, non-conformance and inspection reports with recommended corresponding corrective action to achieve compliance; reports were presented to upper management and The Woodlands Township Board of Directors. Additionally, I discovered community discrepancies, issues and opportunities in particular neighborhoods that could be mitigated through better community planning.

As the Assistant Director of Public Works and Community Developed, I managed the Water and Sewer and Community Development divisions. Under my leadership and guidance, I developed, managed, and implemented the department’s annual budget (approximately two (2) million dollars), the five (5) year plan and Capital Improvements Projects Program (approximately 6 million). Furthermore, I prepared Planning Commission and City Council agenda items and presented items for consideration and approval. I also coordinated with surrounding agencies to construct sections outlined City’s Parks and Pathway Master Plan. For optimization purposes, I updated and streamlined the City’s Major Thoroughfare Plan and conducted ongoing development and maintenance of the City’s online permitting software.Achievements⇨ Administered grants totaling $145,000 funded by the Houston Galveston Area Council, State Energy Conservation Office, and the Texas Department of Rural Affairs; ensured grant compliance on an annual basis.⇨ Integral in the State approval of the Tree City USA designation from 2008 through 2011.⇨ Served as team lead for the creation of the city’s new future land use and comprehensive plans along with the complete revision and rewrite of the Zoning and Subdivision ordinances and a Retail Commercial Overlay Zone for a heavily trafficked City corridor; a 24-month process which resulted in adoption.⇨ Integral in the design, approval, and redevelopment of the City’s signature park through a collaborative effort with the citizens and user groups.⇨ Introduced recycling initiatives to the Community Trash Bash (including but not limited to household hazardous wastes, e-cycling, metal scraping, and green waste composting).

As the Village Manager for the Community Associations of the Woodlands, provided leadership and guidance to a team of three (3), responsible for Covenant compliance of two (2) Villages within The Woodlands. Served as an integral collaborator in the redevelopment and re-drafting of new Standards for the community; approved by three Homeowners Associations and two Development Review Committees. In addition, I managed and resolved Covenant related issues daily. I reviewed and evaluated approximately 50 permits/plans/blueprints monthly for compliance with local “zoning and ordinance” requirements. Furthermore, I liaised with contractors to ensure compliance with “zoning, ordinance and planning” requirements. in addition, reviewed and implemented process and quality management changes to increase efficiencies and consistency. I also provided support to elected, advisory and policy formulating committees and their members. Additionally, I cultivated relationships with developers, contractors, community officials and real-estate agents.

As the Senior Planner for the City of Houston, I reviewed and recommended action for subdivision plat proposals for compliance with Texas Local Governance Code and Houston’s Subdivision Ordinance. I also managed the application database for all plat submissions for the City of Houston. Moreover, I served as an Advisor to Planning Management in the interpretation and implementation of the Subdivision ordinance, development planning issues, and online plat submittal processes. During my tenure, I conducted site inspections to determine violation or need for compliance for on-going development within the City. In addition, I analyzed and advised on current issues and problems for specialized planning activities in the City of Houston and its Extra Territorial Jurisdiction.