Norm has built a career helping others build better communities. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and, prior to starting this consultancy, he served local governments in the following public sector roles:
- Community Development Director, City of Salem, Oregon (pop 177,000)
- Community and Economic Development Director, Adams County, Colorado (pop 522,000)
- Development Services Director, City of Columbia, Tennessee (pop 43,000)
- Principal Planner, Greenville County, South Carolina (pop 533,000)
As a public administrator, he oversaw a wide range of programs and services, including:
- City Planning
- Economic Development
- HOME/CDBG grant administration
- Development Review
- One-Stop Customer Service Centers
- Code Compliance
- Public Libraries
- Animal Control and Shelter Services
- Tourism Development via lodging tax administration
- Stormwater Utility Policy Billing and Administration
Recent Contributions
“Making Sustainability Mainstream” March 2025
A new PAS memo co-authored with Petra Hurtado, PhD, that combines her excellent 5A Planning Approach with the Rogers Adoption Bell Curve. A collaboration that was 10+ years in the making!
“Less but Better” series March 2024
The most important work to-date. Two lengthy papers that provide a new framework for zoning reform. Published by The Mercatus Center at George Mason University
“Data Management for Planning Departments” (upcoming 2025)
A new PAS memo for the APA that introduces a framework and key steps for structuring a department’s entire database for improved operations and security.
“Using Generative AI to Draft Zoning Codes” October 2023
An essay for Zoning Practice Magazine that explores two major AI products (ChatGPT and Midjourney) for making useful content for new zoning policies.
“Practice Zoning Minimalism” 2021
A demonstration of 10 basic rules to create lasting urbanism.
American Planning Association
Other Notable Things
“Practice Decision Algorithms” 2019
An introduction to the idea of structured algorithms for creating consistent, rational approaches to decision-making in local governments.
American Planning Association
APA Gold Award 2017
For work my team and I did to deliver infill development and job creation on a former industrial site. Done in partnership with Denver EDC
American Planning Association
TN APSA Public Administrator of the Year, 2013
For work delivered to the City of Columbia, Tennessee
QUESTIONS? COMMENTS?
Want to see some recent work samples? Gander at the portfolio? Send an email! Social media is terrible and conference conversations are short-lived. This website is built for the sole purpose of connecting in a more meaningful fashion. No weird stuff. Always available to discuss work, books, the Pacific Northwest, and the greatest team in Aussie Rules Football: the Adelaide Crows 🙂
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