Joseph Furman

Serve as staff for Watauga Economic Development Commission via contract between Watauga County and Boone Area Chamber of Commerce. Part-time post retirement position.

Held position concurrently with Planning & Inspections Director position for 19 years. Served as staff to Watauga County Economic Development Commission.

• Directed comprehensive planning initiatives supporting land use, zoning, and subdivision policy development.
• Advised county leadership on planning ordinances, board agenda items, and long-range growth strategies.
• Oversaw development review processes for site plans, rezoning requests, and special use permits.
• Coordinated with planning board, board of commissioners, and community stakeholders on land use decisions.
• Supervised staff including planners, building inspectors, and administrative staff.

First employed as Regional Planner in 1981, advanced to Program Administrator, responsible for Planning Department operations.

• Coordinated interagency program operations, aligning deliverables with council priorities and stakeholder requirements.
• Prepared grant applications and administered awarded grants for member governments.
• Prepared board materials, briefing documents, and status updates for regional planning initiatives.
• Facilitated communication between member governments, consultants, and internal teams to resolve program issues.

First employed as Planner, advanced to Senior Planner responsible for all Planning operations.

• Led regional planning initiatives supporting comprehensive land use, transportation, and community development goals.
• Coordinated intergovernmental meetings to align municipal priorities, policy recommendations, and project timelines.
• Prepared planning reports, maps, and presentations.
• Reviewed development proposals for consistency with zoning, ordinances, and long-range plans.
• Prepared grant applications and administered awarded grants for member governments.