149-2023

Report

Appoint members to the Planning Commission

Accepted
Amended by Council

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.AppointmentTerm
1.Michael AlexanderMarch 1, 2023 – February 28, 2025
2.Wade LangeMarch 1, 2023 – February 28, 2025
3.Nikesh PatelMarch 1, 2023 – February 28, 2025
4.Michael PouncilMarch 1, 2023 – February 28, 2025
5.Eli SpevakMarch 1, 2023 – February 28, 2025
6.Mary-Rain O’MearaMarch 1, 2023 – February 28, 2027
7.Steph RouthMarch 1, 2023 – February 28, 2027
8.Erica ThompsonMarch 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

Impact Statement

Purpose of Proposed Legislation and Background Information

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 and Budgetary Impacts

There are no financial or budgetary impacts.

Community Impacts and Community Involvement

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.

100% Renewable Goal

Not applicable. 

Agenda Items

Confirmed As Amended

Motion to amend the report to remove Steve Lee from the list of Planning Commissioners appointed today: Moved by Rubio and seconded by Ryan. (Y-5)
Motion to accept the report as amended: Moved by Wheeler and seconded by Rubio.
  • Commissioner Carmen Rubio Yea
  • Commissioner Dan Ryan Yea
  • Commissioner Rene Gonzalez Yea
  • Commissioner Mingus Mapps Yea
  • Mayor Ted Wheeler Yea

Contact

Patricia Diefenderfer

Chief Planner, Planning and Sustainability

Requested Agenda Type

Time Certain

Date and Time Information

Requested Council Date
Requested Start Time
9:45 am
Time Requested
30 minutes
Confirmed Time Certain