Aaland Planning Services, Inc.

Qualifications Summary

Policy Consultant – Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC)

I provide staff and policy development services for various WSAC projects, including:

• Supporting eastern Washington county commissioners involved in the Columbia Basin Water Supply Development Program, developing policy positions on various topics related to the program and providing other support as requested;
• Supporting Puget Sound county commissioners in helping them participate in the development and implementation of the Puget Sound Action Agenda, aimed at restoring and protecting Puget Sound ecosystems; and
• Representing counties in the state’s Integrated Project Review and Management Tool (I-PRMT) development process.
  

Land Use Hearing Examiner

I have over ten years of experience serving as the hearing examiner for four cities. Types of cases reviewed include rezones, variances, conditional uses, plats, appeals of administrative decisions, and serving as hearing officer for city’s seizure of property used in methamphetamine delivery. The four jurisdictions generally provide that decisions of the examiner are final, with no review by the city council.

Facilitation and Rule Adoption Services for CTED’s GMA Rule Update 

The State Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development (CTED) hired me to facilitate public meetings and workshops for the GMA Rule update currently underway, and advise them on rule adoption procedures. I provided facilitation of several stakeholder groups used to develop key revisions. I also served as hearing officer for the final public hearings required to complete the rule revision process.

Policy Development for Salmon Habitat Restoration Grant Program - Salmon Recovery Funding Board (SRFB) 

As a contractor to a previous employer, I developed the policy basis for the 2007 SRFB grant round. This was modeled upon previous work I did as the Assistant Director for Grant Services.  In 2006 the grant program changed from a locally focused process to a regional process, implementing six regional plans rather than 26 localized plans. I worked with a variety of stakeholders to develop acceptable policy and procedures.

Evaluation of Ecology’s “Watershed Characterization” Process

As a contractor to the Department of Ecology, I provided independent review and evaluation of the watershed characterization process currently being used by Ecology’s Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program to assess the status of environmental processes. I interviewed local government staff and private consultants who have used the process, and prepared my own evaluation of how well the process works. A final report was prepared (currently under preparation by Ecology for posting on their website).

Small Town Planning Consultant

I provided planning services for five years to a small town that was beginning to experience growth but had no permanent planning staff. Specific work included helping with initial GMA compliance, drafting comprehensive plan elements including a housing element; representing the town in a joint project to develop a Critical Areas Ordinance for several small towns; and reviewing permits and SEPA documentation as needed.

Statewide Rules for Regulatory Reform and SEPA/GMA Integration

I led a team of staff from two state agencies to amend the State Environmental Policy Act Rules (SEPA) and integrate growth management planning requirements. This effort implemented the Local Project Review Act, statewide regulatory reform legislation passed to facilitate the local government permit review process. I also conducted numerous training sessions for cities and counties after the rules were adopted into law.

References

Steve Goins, Director

Department of Community and Economic Development

City of Shelton

525 West Cota Street

Shelton, WA 98584

(360) 432-5136

steveg@ci.shelton.wa.us

Eric Johnson, Executive Director

Washington State Association of Counties (WSAC)

206 10th Avenue SE

Olympia, WA  98501

(360) 753-1886

ejohnson@wacounties.org

For Hearing Examiner Services:

Mike Wincewicz, Director

Community Development and Public Works Departments

112 N Main Street

Montesano, WA  98563

(360) 249-3021

mwincewicz@montesano.us

 Other references can be provided upon request