Tanya Boyce
Urban Planner
Arlington,TX
Summary
Seasoned professional with over two decades of city planning and residential, commercial, and industrial development expertise in both local government and private consulting sectors. Distinguished career as a Bay Area urban planner and land use consultant, with a 2021 Golden Gate University School of Law Doctor of Jurisprudence that emphasizes local, state, and federal land use regulation and environmental law. Demonstrated proficiency in managing major public infrastructure funding and construction projects, coupled with strategic economic development planning and implementation assessment spanning six years. Deep understanding of municipal management, land use development, environmental compliance, construction, entitlement processes and land-use law. Equipped with a distinctive blend of cutting-edge legal research and writing skills, executive-level organizational problem solving, and expert management of municipal sponsored infrastructure and housing development projects. Driven by a commitment to effective policy implementation, sustainable and streamlined construction processes, creative place-making and efficient and responsible governance.
Knowledgeable legal assistant with solid background in legal research and client advocacy. Successfully assisted in drafting legal documents and preparing case files, demonstrating ability to manage complex tasks efficiently. Proven track record in legal writing and negotiation skills.
Overview
2025
2025
years of professional experience
Work History
Transportation Impact Fee Planning Manager
City of Fort Worth Development Services
Fort Worth, Texas
01.2024 - 06.2024
- Ensured work quality and adherence to established policies and procedures; and performed technical and complex tasks relative to the transportation impact fee credit calculation and contract implementation
- Supervised staff, which includes prioritizing and assigning work; conducting performance evaluations; ensuring staff is trained; ensuring employees follow policies and procedures; maintaining a healthy and safe working environment; and, making hiring, termination, and disciplinary decisions or recommendations.
- Established schedules and methods for providing transportation impact fee contract services; identifies resource needs; reviews needs with appropriate management staff; and allocates resource accordingly
- Evaluates the quality, responsiveness, efficiency and effectiveness of the division; and works with employees on the continuous improvement of the division.
- Revised application process for improved efficiency
City of Oakland Cannabis Regulatory Commissioner
City of Oakland Cannabis Regulatory Commission
Oakland, CA
01.2023 - 01.2024
- Appointed after winning litigation against the City of Oakland regarding inadequate environmental review of indoor cannabis cultivation. Collaborated with the state legislature to shape and implement policies and enforcement strategies. Participated in commission meetings, diligently assessed staff reports and positions, and harmonized them with public input to inform crucial decision-making processes.
- Led a dynamic community engagement initiative, rallying affected residents to advocate before the Oakland Cannabis Regulatory Commission for the establishment and enforcement of energy consumption restrictions and air quality enhancements for indoor cultivators situated in or near overburdened communities and schools.
- Teamed up with a fellow commissioner to craft and successfully enact resolutions targeting the environmental health implications linked to the cultivation and production activities within the legalized cannabis sector.
Founding Executive Director
Environmental Democracy Project
Oakland, CA
01.2022 - 01.2025
- Devised and executed programs and initiatives with a keen focus on identifying and eliminating illicit sources of toxic pollution originating from local industry, significantly alleviating the environmental burden on affected communities. Hired and supervised a dedicated team of volunteers, contractors, and staff, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency. Research and develop citizen led litigation. Fostered productive collaborations with like-minded organizations to amplify the impact of environmental initiatives. Conducted comprehensive legal research to provide crucial insights for informed decision-making. Acted as the organization's representative at regulatory hearings and in media interactions, advocating for our environmental goals.
- Pioneered legal actions resulting in the cessation of polluting activities, significantly improving the environmental landscape.
- Orchestrated community meetings that facilitated constructive dialogue among industry representatives, regulatory authorities, and community stakeholders.
- Steered litigation efforts that led to a pivotal modification of the local zoning ordinance, bolstering environmental protection.
- Cultivated and sustained robust relationships with regulatory bodies, ensuring ongoing cooperation and support for environmental efforts.
- Distinguished speaker and panelist at the Law 360 conference, contributing expertise on ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) in the rapidly growing cannabis industry.
- Successfully secured, managed, and administered funding grants, enabling the continuation of vital environmental initiatives.
Student Attorney
Environmental Justice Law Clinic / GGU School of Law
San Francisco, California
2021 - 2022
- Acted as student attorney under the supervision of the bar admitted professors of the clinic. Composed a range of essential documents, including a citizen's declaration, a comprehensive litigation analysis memo, and a persuasive brief challenging CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) exemption.
- Conducted research for litigation analysis and crafted a compelling environmental justice case in support of the Bayview Hunters Point residents.
- Represented the client's interests by providing compelling testimony at the California Lands Commission, advocating for critical environmental and community concerns.
- Enhanced client outcomes by thoroughly researching and analyzing case law.
Student Attorney
City Attorney’s Office
01.2020 - 01.2021
- Acted as student attorney under the supervision of the bar admitted City Attorney.
- Drafted petitions for the removal of firearms from individuals arrested for domestic violence, ensuring legal compliance and supporting the City Attorney’s case preparation.
- Collaborated closely with the City Attorney and local law enforcement to build a strong legal foundation for each case.
- Researched and synthesized legal precedents to provide a comprehensive analysis of the legal differences between fees and fines, contributing to the office’s legal knowledge base.
Practice Assistant
Holland and Knight LLP
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Performed all aspects of legal calendar and docketing for multiple attorneys, proactively identifying and mitigating potential conflicts to ensure adherence with court deadlines. Coordinated and executed electronic case filings (e-filing) with various courts and legal platforms, streamlining the filing process and ensuring the timely submission of all legal documents. Organized case files, court filings, and discovery documents, reducing administrative backlog.
- Assisted with trial preparation, including creating exhibit binders and compiling witness information, contributing to successful case outcomes.
- Liaised between attorneys, clients, and external parties, maintaining clear communication and fostering positive professional relationships.
- Drafted and proofread various legal documents, correspondence, and presentations, increasing team productivity and accuracy
Wills and Trust Notary
Vanguard Legal Group
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Provided customized mobile notary services for a southern California firms Bay Area clients. Managing all aspects of notarization for a high volume of legal documents, including wills, trusts, and powers of attorney, ensuring compliance with all state and federal regulations. Facilitated seamless client interactions, providing a professional and confidential notarization experience for clients during critical legal proceedings.
- Maintained meticulous records of all notarized documents, improving the firm’s administrative efficiency.
- Collaborated with legal professionals to verify the authenticity of documents and the identity of signatories, mitigating risk and safeguarding legal integrity.
Criminal Clerk
Contra Costa County Superior Court
Richmond, California
05.2017 - 10.2017
- Managed all aspects of criminal case files, including filing, data entry, and document retrieval, ensuring 100% accuracy and adherence to legal procedures. Maintained the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive case information, upholding professional standards and legal protocols.
- Prepared and processed a high volume of search and arrest warrants for judicial review, ensuring all documentation was accurate and in full compliance with legal statutes.
- Assisted judges, attorneys, and the public by providing timely and accurate information regarding case status, court dates, and legal documentation.
- Coordinated with law enforcement agencies and other court departments to ensure the smooth flow of criminal proceedings
Land Use Consultant/Development Project Manager
Affirm Land Use Consulting Services
Oakland, California
01.2012 - 01.2017
- Honed expertise in the management of small-scale construction and land use entitlements, showcasing a versatile skillset. Facilitated connections between property owners and land development investors, linking them with several construction-related subcontractors. Prepared and delivered persuasive PowerPoint presentations for entitlement and investment meetings. Facilitated condo conversion and minor subdivision projects.
- Orchestrated zoning approval, design review, and construction management processes for the restoration of a historic single-family home.
- Effectively negotiated for the reduction of penalties associated with building and zoning violations.
- Formulated compelling findings to secure approval for development standard variances, conditional use permits, and alcoholic beverage control licenses.
- Subcontracted with Fair Soils Engineering Associates, while serving as a foundation inspector and operator of nuclear gauges.
Education
Doctor of Jurisprudence -
Golden Gate University School of Law
San Francisco, CA12.2022
Master of Urban Planning -
City University of New York- Hunter College
New York, NY05.1999
Bachelor of Arts - Government
Saint Mary’s College of California
Moraga, CA05.1996
Skills
- Regulatory compliance analysis
- Architectural plan review
- Report writing
- Ordinance revision
- General plan development
- Stakeholder engagement
- Infrastructure project management
- Strategic negotiation
- Public speaking
- Cross-functional collaboration
Additional Planning Experience
- Urban Economic Analyst III at Redevelopment Agency / Oakland, CA May 2008- Feb 2012
- Urban Planner III at Planning Department/ Oakland, CA Jan 2007- May 2008
- Associate Planner at Planning Department/ Richmond, CA April 2001- December 2006
- Current Planning Intern at Planning Department/ San Francisco, CA Dec 2000- April 2001
- HUD Fellow South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation/ Bronx, NY Aug 1998- May 1999
Timeline
Transportation Impact Fee Planning Manager
City of Fort Worth Development Services
01.2024 - 06.2024
City of Oakland Cannabis Regulatory Commissioner
City of Oakland Cannabis Regulatory Commission
01.2023 - 01.2024
Founding Executive Director
Environmental Democracy Project
01.2022 - 01.2025
Student Attorney
City Attorney’s Office
01.2020 - 01.2021
Practice Assistant
Holland and Knight LLP
01.2018 - 01.2020
Criminal Clerk
Contra Costa County Superior Court
05.2017 - 10.2017
Wills and Trust Notary
Vanguard Legal Group
01.2017 - 01.2019
Land Use Consultant/Development Project Manager
Affirm Land Use Consulting Services
01.2012 - 01.2017
Student Attorney
Environmental Justice Law Clinic / GGU School of Law
2021 - 2022
Doctor of Jurisprudence -
Golden Gate University School of Law
Master of Urban Planning -
City University of New York- Hunter College
Bachelor of Arts - Government
Saint Mary’s College of California
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