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The city of Pleasanton has selected a former Union City planning manager to serve as the assistant director of its Community and Economic Development — a brand-new position that aims to help streamline the city’s planning process.
Derek Farmer, a 27-year veteran in land-use planning and development in both the public and private sectors, started his new role with the city on Monday, according to a press release from the city that day.
“As someone who has both lived and worked in Pleasanton, I am excited to return,” Farmer said in the press release. “I look forward to working with city staff and the community to support thoughtful growth and continue building a vibrant and welcoming city.”
According to city communications manager Heather Tiernan, the City Council early last year identified economic development as a “key strategic priority for staff”. That’s why she said the city, during its budget process, merged its Economic Development and Community Development departments.
Prior to the merger, Melinda Denis served as the deputy director and planning and permit center manager who oversaw the planning team and the permit center. However, following the merger, the city separated those duties, creating the need for someone to help run things as assistant director.
Denis now oversees the permit center and economic development team as the deputy director of community and economic development, leaving Farmer in charge of the planning team as the planning manager and assistant director of community and economic development.
“Essentially, this position exists to enable the city to provide additional resources to Economic Development efforts and streamline our planning processes,” Tiernan told the Weekly. “So, yes, there is one new position in that department, and it was included in our two-year budget as a strategy to enhance our Economic Development.”
According to the city’s press release, Farmer has directed many planning divisions throughout the Bay Area where he has “managed complex development projects, modernized zoning ordinances and worked closely with economic development staff and business leaders to support local vitality”.
Farmer’s LinkedIn profile shows he has held positions in the planning departments of several local municipalities, including Union City and the towns of Moraga and Orinda. He has also worked at a handful of private sector companies like Tetra Tech, an engineering consultant based in San Jose.
“Derek’s broad experience in both public and private sector planning will be a great asset to Pleasanton,” City Manager Gerry Beaudin said in the city’s press release. “His collaborative approach and familiarity with Tri Valley communities will support our ongoing efforts to plan thoughtfully for housing, pursue economic development opportunities, and address the community’s long-term needs.”
In his new role, Farmer will help guide Pleasanton’s policy development and oversee anything related to planning and development review, according to the city. He will also help support “strategic economic development initiatives”.
“This position will play an important role in advancing the city’s community and economic development priorities, including efforts to improve service delivery, enhance clarity and predictability in the development review process, and strengthen engagement with residents, businesses, and project applicants,” the city’s press release states.
