DeAndra Navratil, AICP
Planner
Regional Planning and Coordinating Commission
of Greene County, Ohio
As a Planner for the Regional Planning & Coordinating Commission (RPCC), my daily responsibilities include analyzing proposed policy and land use changes, providing and presenting decision recommendations to elected government officials, and creating county plan documents. The RPCC is composed of appointed elected officials from each member jurisdiction of the county. Since my hire date, the department developed a county-wide Master Trails Plan and a 20-year county land use plan, called Perspectives 2040.
The Greene County Master Trails Plan was coordinated effort between multiple county departments and a hire consultant. This plan provides growth strategies a nd improvement recommendations the multi-jurisdiction trail network, a major tourism attraction for the county. My role led the community outreach and engagement efforts to reach citizens in multiple jurisdictions and the tourists who visit the county to use these trails. Having started the plan process in February 2020, the entire planning process was conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges this presented, the outreach strategy was successfully modified to reach citizens and tourists in the few places that were safely accessible. Some of the strategies that were proven successful and safe to gather input included, digital mapping exercise, touchless pop-up events, and targeted marketing along trail corridors.
Perspectives 2040, a 20-year, county land-use plan, is currently being drafted for the final document. My responsibilities for this plan include leading community outreach and public engagement, presenting updates to elected officials and commission members, drafting sections of the plan, and conducting the final edits and review of the document before it is proposed for adoption.
As a staff member for the RPCC, I present oral, written, and visual presentations to the Executive Committee and Full Commission each month. For each township's proposed policy and land use change, I provide an analysis and decision recommendation. Additionally, I provide zoning and procedure support to Greene County Zoning Inspectors who request assistance with unique or difficult zoning scenarios.
As a staff representative for City Council, Plan Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals, and a member of other City commissions and boards, I have experience in leading and participating in executive-level meetings. Leading multiple meetings each month, I am well versed in drafting and presenting staff reports that incorporate case-specific details, state and local codes, comprehensive plan and zoning code principles, and identifying potential problems and solutions that may accompany each request.
Planning Director and City Planner
City of Richmond, Indiana
As the Planning Director and City Planner, my daily responsibilities included collaborating with the Mayor, elected City Officials, the Director of Infrastructure and Development, business owners, and citizens. My daily tasks included providing decision recommendations to City officials and leaders, managing staff, and developing the new Comprehensive Plan.
In leading the development of the new Comprehensive Plan, I was the main contact for the hired consultants, coordinated each meeting and outreach event with the community, elected officials, and stakeholders. Also, I ensured there was effective communication with the media and the public. This community-led plan provides short- and long-range goals, identifies priority investment areas, park and open space management goals, land use management guides, and government communication objectives.
To view this plan, visit www.RichmondRising.com.
As a staff representative for City Council, Plan Commission, and Board of Zoning Appeals, and a member of other City commissions and boards, I have experience in leading and participating in executive-level meetings. Leading multiple meetings each month, I am well versed in drafting and presenting staff reports that incorporate case-specific details, state and local codes, comprehensive plan and zoning code principles, and identifying potential problems and solutions that may accompany each request.
A large component of this position involved supervising staff. Every week, each direct report was met with to review work priorities, provide direction for ongoing projects, organize training sessions as needed, and review projects for quality. When certain performance standards were not met, a performance evaluation was conducted and verbal and written discipline was given, when necessary.
Community Engagement & Design Intern
City of Crookston, Minnesota
My main tasks included assisting with the completion and implementation of the new Downtown Master Plan and provide recommendations to the Bike Crookston interest group. Daily, I worked side by side with the City Administrator, Chamber of Commerce Director, Economic Development Director, and the Downtown Crookston Development Partnership.
Throughout my internship, I presented to the City Council, Chamber Board of Directors, Rotary Club, Downtown Crookston Development Partnership and made an appearance on the evening news.
Here are samples of work and news articles from this internship.
Click on the image for descriptions and additional links.
Sustainable Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Crookston, Minnesota & University of Minnesota Crookston
This position was my first professional position and started my career in community planning.
My main tasks included:
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Passing a resolution through city council to adopt the Greenstep City challenge
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Establish a community garden
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Explore alternative energy options for city and university buildings
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Reduce city maintenance costs through native landscaping
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Assist with completing the Active Living Master Plan for pedestrians and bicyclists
I worked daily with the City Administrator, University officials and Minnesota Extensions staff.
Here are samples of work and news articles pertaining to this internship. Click on the image for descriptions and additional links.