THOMAS A. OTOO
Fairburn,GA
Summary
Experienced Urban Planner specializing in comprehensive planning initiatives, land use analysis, and urban redevelopment. Led complex planning processes, coordinated with government agencies and developers, and engaged diverse stakeholders to promote sustainable urban growth. Expertise in zoning regulations, GIS analysis, policy development, and community engagement, delivering strategic solutions that align economic development with environmental sustainability and community needs.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Urban Planner III
Office of Zoning and Development
09.2019 - Current
- Lead long-range planning initiatives, including comprehensive plans, corridor studies, and neighborhood redevelopment strategies.
- Coordinate with developers, engineers, and public agencies to guide large-scale urban development projects.
- Review development proposals and zoning applications to ensure compliance with local ordinances and planning regulations.
- Drafted and revised City of Atlanta zoning ordinance to align with urban development goals.
- Facilitated public meetings and community engagement sessions to gather stakeholder input, influencing major planning initiatives.
- Conduct GIS-based spatial analysis to support planning recommendations and policy decisions.
- Prepare staff reports, planning documents, and policy recommendations for planning commissions and city councils.
Urban Planner II
Department of City Planning
Atlanta, GA
03.2017 - 09.2019
- Processed construction plans and documents for permit review, including building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits; calculated fees and issued invoices.
- Coordinated routing of plans to appropriate departmental personnel for review.
- Provided customer service in person and by telephone, addressing inquiries about business license/permit applications, renewals, procedures, fees, and forms.
- City of Atlanta
City Planner/ Permit Administrator
Planning and Community Development
Riverdale, GA
03.2015 - 03.2017
- Supported planning and zoning operations during director's absence.
- Oversaw daily operations of the planning and permitting department.
- Prepared and filed hearing notices for the Zoning Commission public hearings.
- Compiled and published data on Future Land Use Plans and identified targeted areas for potential zoning changes to support long- and short-range development initiatives.
- Prepared staff reports related to zoning cases and text amendments.
- Used GIS to analyze land use and prepared maps, graphics, reports, and related documents on development projects, collaborating with the GIS team.
- Researched state and local zoning information; analyzed current data for accurate interpretation of zoning ordinances and development codes; submitted recommendations for revisions and changes.
- Interpreted zoning ordinance for developers and stakeholders obtaining permits.
- Collaborated with residents, developers, architects, engineers, realtors, and City officials to provide guidance on planning, land use development, and zoning regulations.
- Clarified zoning ordinances for developers and stakeholders seeking permits.
- Coordinated inspection schedules and documented all inspection requests.
- Organized and updated files and records while ensuring accuracy of information.
- City of Riverdale, Georgia
Research Intern
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 732
Atlanta, GA
06.2013 - 08.2013
- Conducted policy research and analysis to develop proposals and PowerPoint presentations that informed decision-making.
- Mapped current processes and provided recommendations that enhanced contract negotiation strategies.
- Documented union processes and analyzed procedures to ensure compliance with union requirements.
- Researched and addressed issues related to data integrity between the union and its contractors.
Special Projects Intern
Points of Light Institute
Atlanta, GA
08.2012 - 12.2012
- Organized job fair for army veterans in Washington DC, facilitating employment opportunities for attendees.
- Coordinated team development activities and training with senior case managers to enhance team skills.
- Ensured consistent messaging and branding across all program initiatives.
- Provided feedback and shared ideas during weekly staff meetings to improve team collaboration.
Volunteer Teaching Assistant
Refugee Family Services
DeKalb County, GA
04.2012 - 12.2012
- Boosted student participation by incorporating creative role-playing exercises that encouraged active involvement.
- Conducted small group and individual activities tailored to differentiated learning needs.
- Provided one-on-one attention to individual students while maintaining overall group focus.
- Enhanced language development through engaging reading and storytelling activities that fostered student comprehension.
- Collaborated with educators across grade levels to identify and support students needing additional help with English and mathematics.
Education
Master of City and Regional Planning -
Georgia Institute of Technology
247 4th St NW, Atlanta, GA 3033205-2027
Military- Infantry Procedures -
United States Army Infantry School
Fort Benning, GA11-2014
Bachelor’s Degree - Public Policy, Policy Analysis, Planning and Community Development
Georgia State University, Andrew Young School of Public Policy
Atlanta, GA05-2014
Associate’s degree - Business Administration, Principles of Management, Business Applications, Accounting, Financial Management and Business Law
Atlanta Metropolitan College
Atlanta, GA05-2011
Skills
- Urban and regional planning
- Land use planning
- Zoning and development review
- Comprehensive planning
- Urban redevelopment
- Sustainable development
- Transit-oriented development
- Policy implementation
- GIS and spatial analysis
- Project management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Community outreach
- Written communication
- Oral presentations
- Organizational skills
- Prioritization
- Microsoft Office proficiency
Knowledge Skills And Abilities
- Demonstrated ability to work independently and efficiently without supervision.
- Expertise in reading and interpreting civil and architectural plans with precision.
- Strong research skills that yield high-quality results.
- Consistently meets deadlines with a proactive approach.
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills that enhance collaboration.
- Proficient in delivering compelling oral and graphic presentations.
- Highly organized and capable of multitasking while prioritizing effectively.
- Well-versed in Accela and Sages software systems.
- In-depth knowledge of Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office (Word, Access, Excel, PowerPoint, Publisher).
- Strong military leadership experience and understanding of operational procedures, US Army.
Timeline
Urban Planner III
Office of Zoning and Development
09.2019 - Current
Urban Planner II
Department of City Planning
03.2017 - 09.2019
City Planner/ Permit Administrator
Planning and Community Development
03.2015 - 03.2017
Research Intern
Amalgamated Transit Union Local 732
06.2013 - 08.2013
Special Projects Intern
Points of Light Institute
08.2012 - 12.2012
Volunteer Teaching Assistant
Refugee Family Services
04.2012 - 12.2012
Master of City and Regional Planning -
Georgia Institute of Technology
Military- Infantry Procedures -
United States Army Infantry School
Bachelor’s Degree - Public Policy, Policy Analysis, Planning and Community Development
Georgia State University, Andrew Young School of Public Policy
Associate’s degree - Business Administration, Principles of Management, Business Applications, Accounting, Financial Management and Business Law
Atlanta Metropolitan College