Andres Gutierrez
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Results-driven Planning Assistant with 3+ years of experience in land use planning, zoning administration, and stakeholder engagement with Los Angeles City Planning. Experienced in processing land use entitlements, conducting policy and data analysis, and preparing technical reports. Proficient in ZIMAS, PCTS, Python, and planning-related research tools. Contributed to regional planning initiatives, including housing insecurity research and development of a 2030 strategic roadmap for Southern California's Inland Empire. Recognized for strong communication, project coordination, and collaboration with diverse stakeholders to advance equitable and sustainable community development.
Overview
2027
2027
years of professional experience
Work History
Planning Assistant
Los Angeles City Planning Department
Los Angeles, CA
03.2023 - Current
- Process land use entitlement applications under the authority of the Zoning Administrator for the Central, West/South, and Valley geographies of Los Angeles.
- Manage the review and processing of discretionary entitlement cases, including Conditional Use Permits (CUP), Conditional Use - Beverages (CUB), Conditional Use for Wireless Facilities (CUW), Zoning Administrator Adjustments (ZAA), Zoning Administrator Determinations (ZAD), and Zone Variances (ZV).
- Determined application completeness, coordinated case intake, and advanced projects through the public hearing process.
- Prepared hearing notices, comprehensive staff reports, and required environmental clearance documentation in compliance with applicable regulations and procedures.
- Successfully processed and advanced 31 Zoning Administrator cases to public hearing in 2025 and 11 cases in 2026 to date.
- Drafted 64+ Letters of Determination, documenting findings, conditions of approval, and zoning decisions.
- Served as a primary point of contact for applicants, consultants, and community stakeholders, providing guidance throughout the entitlement process.
- Responded to public inquiries regarding zoning regulations, project applications, and land use procedures, ensuring clear communication and customer service.
- Collaborated with interdisciplinary teams and stakeholders to facilitate timely and accurate processing of complex land use applications.
Student Professional Worker
Los Angeles City Planning Department
Los Angeles, CA
09.2021 - 03.2023
- Collaborated with project planners, constituents, and zoning administrators to facilitate smooth communication and hearing logistics
- Takes responsibility for the creation and organization of hearings, ensuring seamless coordination with all relevant stakeholders
- Assisted City Planners by performing tasks such as data collection, office organization, and preparation of materials
- Contributed to the gathering and analysis of data, including the creation of GIS maps related to Oil Dwellings within city limits for city council policy development
Graduate Student Researcher
Center of Social Innovation, UCR
Riverside, CA
2022 - 2023
- Supported the IE 2030 Vision and Roadmap project, an initiative incubated by the Center for Social Innovation and IE RISE for Community Wellbeing, focused on community engagement and sustainable regional planning.
- Conducted stakeholder outreach and public engagement efforts to gather input from residents, community organizations, businesses, and government partners.
- Researched and analyzed housing and transportation policy issues affecting San Bernardino and Riverside Counties.
- Contributed to the development of a comprehensive community development and inclusive regional planning framework.
- Collaborated with grassroots organizations, businesses, and public agencies across multiple sub-regions to identify community priorities and opportunities.
- Assisted in designing policy and investment recommendations aimed at promoting equitable, inclusive, and sustainable regional growth.
- Facilitated communication between diverse stakeholders to support data collection, consensus-building, and strategic planning efforts.
- Gathered and synthesized community feedback to inform neighborhood improvement initiatives and regional development strategies.
- Supported project initiatives focused on advancing community well-being, equity, and long-term sustainability throughout the Inland Empire region.
- Developed experience in public outreach, stakeholder engagement, policy research, and collaborative planning processes.
San Francisco Police Cadet
San Francisco Police Department
San Francisco, CA
06.2018 - 09.2021
- Communication and Administrative Responsibilities in the Office of the Chief of Police:
- Inform and advise citizens regarding available community services, providing recommendations for long-term problem resolution
- Provide public assistance and support in addressing community concerns
- Collaborate with public leaders, including the Mayor and Police Chief, as well as engage with media and public outreach efforts
- Respond to constituent inquiries via phone, offering timely and accurate information
- Assist with city events such as National Night Out, COVID-19 information dissemination, and holiday celebrations
Intern for CA State Senator - Scott Wiener D-11
California State Senate
San Francisco, CA
08.2019 - 12.2019
- Identify and analyze case issues and relevant public policy, with a focus on urban and transportation legislation
- Coordinate and collaborate with key stakeholders, including legislators, non-profit organizations, community organizers, and other professionals
- Conduct in-depth research within specific policy areas to support informed decision-making
- Issue public notifications for all official activities, meetings, and legislative updates
- Respond to constituent phone calls, providing assistance and addressing inquiries
- Plan, prepare, and manage city events, such as the Senator Pumpkin Carving Event and 'Monthly Chats' sessions
Education
Master of Public Policy -
University of California, Riverside
01-2023
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Studies and Planning
San Francisco State University
01-2021
Skills
- ZIMAS
- PCTS
- Related websites for LA City Planning
- Urban Design
- Zoning Regulations
- GIS
- Data Analysis
- Community Engagement
- Python
- Environmental Impact Assessment
- Land Use Planning
- Sustainable Development
- Spanish
- Qualitative/Quantitative Research
Timeline
Planning Assistant
Los Angeles City Planning Department
03.2023 - Current
Student Professional Worker
Los Angeles City Planning Department
09.2021 - 03.2023
Intern for CA State Senator - Scott Wiener D-11
California State Senate
08.2019 - 12.2019
San Francisco Police Cadet
San Francisco Police Department
06.2018 - 09.2021
Bachelor of Arts - Urban Studies and Planning
San Francisco State University
Graduate Student Researcher
Center of Social Innovation, UCR
2022 - 2023
Master of Public Policy -
University of California, Riverside