Michael Matteson
Franklin,TN
Summary
Highly motivated and skilled professional with 20-plus years of proven leadership in support of overall organizational goals. Knowledgeable industry veteran with strong interpersonal and communication skills and a track record of creative problem-solving to achieve positive results.
Overview
31
31
years of professional experience
Work History
Planning Director
Williamson County
05.2005 - Current
- Manage and provide direction to a team of five department staff members, overseeing their daily activities and fostering a collaborative work environment
- Act as the primary support liaison to the Williamson County Regional Planning Commission, facilitating efficient communication between the department and the commission
- Led the County’s update of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, resulting in its successful adoption in 2007
- This role involved guiding consultant activities, shaping content and recommendations, and creating an effective public participation strategy
- Directed the department's initiative to revise the County's Zoning Ordinance, resulting in the adoption of a new version in 2013
- Responsibilities included supervising consultant activities, leading a multi-departmental internal review and drafting team, developing a public engagement strategy, and presenting the new Ordinance for approval to the Planning Commission and County Commission
- Pioneered the development of Special Area Plans and customized zoning district standards for four key communities within the County, namely College Grove, Leiper's Fork, Grassland, and Triune
- This involved harmonizing diverse perspectives into a shared vision, communicating this vision to the community and governing bodies, and creating specific zoning-related implementation tools
- Initiated and managed the creation of a Comprehensive Traffic Strategy for unincorporated Williamson County
- This strategic plan provided a framework for addressing traffic challenges and played a pivotal role in jumpstarting subsequent County efforts, including the 2020 Comprehensive Plan and zoning density changes in rural areas
- Directed the County's update of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, leading to its adoption in 2020
- As part of this endeavor, devised a strategy to model potential outcomes of various development policies, which offered valuable insights to decision-makers
- Responsibilities also included overseeing consultant activities, shaping plan content and recommendations, and orchestrating an effective public engagement strategy
- Prepare and manage the department's annual budget, ensuring responsible fiscal management and resource allocation.
Senior Planner
City Of Rock Hill, SC
11.2002 - 05.2005
- Oversaw and provided leadership to a team of nine division staff members, ensuring the efficient execution of their duties and fostering a collaborative work environment
- Spearheaded the City's initiative to create a new Zoning Code, directing consultant activities, providing precise content direction, and devising and executing a public participation strategy
- Played a pivotal role in updating critical components of the City's Comprehensive Plan, offering guidance and oversight to align the plan with evolving needs and goals
- Identified and implemented significant enhancements to the City's existing planning function, including the introduction of quality control measures and the cultivation of a proactive problem-solving approach among plan review staff
- Established the Technical Review Committee (TRC) to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the development review process, facilitating more streamlined procedures
- Developed and implemented a revised rezoning process that not only increased public involvement opportunities but also streamlined review procedures, enhancing overall efficiency
- Created and managed the division's budget, ensuring prudent financial management and resource allocation.
City Development Director
City Of Asheville, NC
01.1999 - 11.2002
- Division Director within Planning Department responsible for directing and coordinating planning and revitalization efforts for downtown Asheville and other urban districts
- Managed and directed the activities of City Development office staff
- Developed and authored Downtown Master Plan designed to guide future development, coordinate public improvements, and stimulate private investment
- Served as liaison and technical advisor to downtown developers and investors
- Administered successful Downtown Design Review Program.
Planner II
City Of Asheville, NC
04.1994 - 01.1999
- Spearheaded effort to develop a Special Area Plan for an urban corridor facing complex land use, design, and development issues
- Drafted incentive-based zoning district to foster desired development along the corridor
- Directed and assisted consultant efforts to develop a comprehensive Greenway Master Plan
- Responsible for reviewing/analyzing development proposals and rezoning requests and presenting staff recommendations to decision-making bodies
- Supervised and trained other staff members.
Planner I
City Of Asheville, NC
02.1993 - 04.1994
- Performed current planning functions including the review of site plans, subdivision plats and rezoning requests
- Presented findings and recommendations to City Council and various City boards and commissions
- Assisted with the City’s Historic Preservation Program by reviewing Certificates of Appropriateness and providing technical assistance to property owners.
Planning Technician
City Of Asheville, NC
05.1992 - 02.1993
- Reviewed development proposals and restoration work within three local historic districts for compliance with architectural review guidelines
- Presented proposals and recommendations to the Historic Resources Commission
- In the absence of Historic Resources Director, served in such capacity during lengthy search for replacement
- Performed research and provided written findings related to complex development and land use issues.
Education
B.A. in Urban Studies -
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
Skills
Leadership
Problem solving
Strategic planning
Implementation of organizational objectives
Interpersonal relationships
Oral and written communication
Public presentations
Technical Expertise
Certifications And Professional Affiliations
- American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP)
- Alumni of Leadership Franklin
- Alumni of Citizen Transit Leadership Academy
- Served as a member of the State of Tennessee Local Government Planning Advisory Committee (Completed term as Committee Chair)
- Currently enrolled in Certified Public Manager program. Completion in January, 2024
- Board member – Tennessee State University Department of Urban Studies
Timeline
Planning Director
Williamson County
05.2005 - Current
Senior Planner
City Of Rock Hill, SC
11.2002 - 05.2005
City Development Director
City Of Asheville, NC
01.1999 - 11.2002
Planner II
City Of Asheville, NC
04.1994 - 01.1999
Planner I
City Of Asheville, NC
02.1993 - 04.1994
Planning Technician
City Of Asheville, NC
05.1992 - 02.1993
B.A. in Urban Studies -
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
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