accepted report

Appoint members to the Planning Commission

land use
appointment

Department: Planning and Sustainability (BPS)
Introduced by: Former Mayor Ted Wheeler Former Commissioner Carmen Rubio
Status: Accepted

Impact statement

Purpose & background

The Planning Commission addresses our future growth and land use plans and advises City Council on land use planning and zoning. Effective March 1, 2023, the Planning Commission will be composed of 8 volunteer members with expertise in a range of areas. We are currently seating a full new slate of commissioners, with staggered 2- and 4-year terms initially to ensure continuity for years to come.

Financial impacts

There are no financial or budgetary impacts.

Community impacts

The Planning Commission makes recommendations to City Council on the City’s long-range goals, policies, and programs for land use and planning. In making recommendations, it considers the economic, environmental, and social well-being of the city in an integrated fashion. The Commission has specific responsibility for the guiding, developing, maintaining, and updating of the City’s Comprehensive Plan and zoning code. The Commission deliberates using a climate and equity lens and is committed to effective public involvement and leadership in its work and in the decisions it considers. A recruitment for the new Planning Commission positions was made available in November 2022. A selected group of candidates were interviewed by staff from the Bureau of Planning and Sustainability; Commissioner Rubio’s office; and Mayor Wheeler’s office in January 2023, followed by finalists being interviewed by Commissioner Rubio and BPS Director Donnie Oliveira, making final recommendations to Mayor Wheeler in February 2023.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

The Planning Commission makes recommendations to the City Council on long range land use plans, policies, and zoning regulations. Effective March 1, 2023, the Planning Commission will be composed of 8 volunteer members with expertise in a range of areas. We are currently seating a full new slate of commissioners, with staggered 2- and 4-year terms initially to ensure continuity for years to come. As Mayor and Commissioner of Finance & Administration, I request Council confirmation of the following appointments to the Planning Commission: No. Appointment Term 1. Michael Alexander March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2025 2. Wade Lange March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2025 3. Nikesh Patel March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2025 4. Michael Pouncil March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2025 5. Eli Spevak March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2025 6. Mary-Rain O’Meara March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2027 7. Steph Routh March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2027 8. Erica Thompson March 1, 2023 – February 28, 2027 These new commissioners bring a wide variety of knowledge and expertise to the Planning Commission, including experience in public policy; transportation; development; architecture; land use; real estate; affordable housing; environmental management; and community development (see Attachment A for biographies and Attachment B for statements of interest). I look forward to working with this group of volunteers and the recommendations they will make to this City Council on land use issues in the coming years. Respectfully submitted, Mayor Ted Wheeler

Tally

5 yea 0 nay