Layout 1 - Northern California Chapter of the American Planning ...

Meet a local plannerThird in a series of interviews by Tania Sheyner, AICPKen MacNab is the Planning Managerfor the City of Napa, where he’s beenemployed since last fall.How did you become interestedin planning?I became interested in planning when aproperty that I spent a lot of time on as ayouth was proposed for development. I didn’tunderstand why this open space, which had always been accessibleto the public, could suddenly be developed. But, of course, it wasreally a privately owned parcel. I followed the public processfor that development, which inspired me to pursue a career inpreserving open space. I attended the planning program at SonomaState University, where I was introduced to planning concepts likesmart growth, transit-oriented development, and urban growthboundaries, and realized that a more effective way to preserve openspace would be to work on focusing growth and development inurban areas.What’s unique about planning in Napa?I love the scale, geography, and location of Napa. As a planner,it’s a really exciting time to be working here. Napa has experiencedtremendous success in revitalizing its downtown and riverfrontareas and is fortunate to have developers coming forward with greatprojects that will build off this success. One of the main challengesin Napa is balancing a community that draws a lot of tourists withthe needs of local residents. While economic development andtourism are important, it is equally important to maintain a livable,friendly community for the residents.SPUR’s work in San Jose is heatingup. Check out the great article featuredin this month’s Urbanist on the past andfuture of San Jose’s downtown as anurban center for Silicon Valley.http://bit.ly/YBmAzDCan you describe the changes in the planning fieldyou’ve witnessed over the years?A big one is the introduction of technology. Tools such as theInternet and GIS have had a huge, positive influence on the field,have facilitated analysis, and have provided instantaneous accessto information. In the Bay Area specifically, there has been anincreasing emphasis on regional planning. I have also seen anincreasing emphasis on sustainability — particularly at the statelevel of government. Another area that has changed is the lossof redevelopment.What advice would you give planners starting out?Find a mentor. Having a mentor who has been in the planningfield for many years and has experienced the challenges anddecisions that a planner faces over the course of a career is a greatresource. I can ask questions or seek advice on issues that I may(continued on next page)Northern News 5 May 2013