Richard Atkinson
Suwanee,GA
Summary
Resourceful Planning and Community Development Director with background in all levels of daily and long range planning activities. Downtown redevelopment and recruitment. Expert at writing and reviewing planning and zoning reports and ordinances. Proven history of assessing needs and driving improvements.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Planning and Community Development
The City Of Flowery Branch
2016.08 - Current
- In charge of all zoning applications from annexation, rezoning, conditional use, variances, etc.
- Composed all zoning and land use staff reports and ordinances; presented findings and recommendations to Mayor and City Council.
- Coordinated all plan reviews with outside agencies and performed all City reviews.
- Oversaw training and onboarding process for all newly hired employees within Planning and Community Development Department.
- Assisted with internal financial planning, analysis and budgeting.
- Updated codes including zoning ordinance, sign ordinance, and historic preservation ordinance.
- Led most recent comprehensive plan update.
- Performed all daily and long term planning duties for Flowery Branch during a historic period of growth.
- Worked with City Manager to recruit development partners to successfully redevelop phase one of the downtown plan. Currently, working on phase two.
Zoning and Development Planner
City Of Duluth
2005.02 - 2016.08
- Several roles and positions over an eleven year career for the City of Duluth.
- Led the team that completed a Unified Development Code adopted in 2015.
- Presented zoning and land use cases to the Zoning Board of Appeals, Planning Commission, and City Council.
- Worked on the team that regularly updated the City's Comprehensive Plan.
- Performed City reviews to ensure compliance with all relative zoning and development requirements.
- Performed on-site development inspections to ensure compliance with all relevant zoning and development requirements.
- Worked on the downtown redevelopment team.
- Organized and coordinated all outside plan review.
Education
Master of Science - Community Development
Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Urban Planning
Georgia State University
Atlanta, GA11.2002
Skills
Downtown revitalization and redevelopment
Code writing and/or updating
Zoning and land use experience
Development coordination and review
Permitting and inspections
Public speaking
Staff assemblage and management
Timeline
Director of Planning and Community Development
The City Of Flowery Branch
2016.08 - Current
Zoning and Development Planner
City Of Duluth
2005.02 - 2016.08
Master of Science - Community Development
Kansas State University
Bachelor of Science - Urban Planning
Georgia State University
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