Garrett Wank
Costa Mesa,CA
Summary
Planning professional with strong background in project review and coordination, public outreach and interaction, and report preparation and presentation. Proven ability to deliver impactful project outcomes and coordinate with several team members and departments. Known for adapting to evolving project needs while showcasing strong analytical and organizational skills.
Overview
9
9
years of professional experience
Work History
Associate Planner
City Of Laguna Beach
12.2023 - 04.2025
- Participated and coordinated processing activities with other staff members, departments, or agencies.
- Led training sessions for junior staff members on various aspects of planning methodologies enhancing their understanding of best practices.
- Responded to public inquiries and complaints.
- Evaluated plans and permits for zoning changes and building projects by closely checking information against approval requirements.
- Examined and reviewed complex plans for compliance with the zoning code.
- Prepared advanced reports and presented to the Planning Commission, Design Review Board, and City Council.
Assistant Planner
City Of Laguna Beach
04.2021 - 12.2023
- Analyzed data using GIS software, assisting with spatial analysis tasks for better-informed land use decisions.
- Developed strong relationships with internal teams and external partners, fostering collaborative work environments to deliver results efficiently.
- Supported senior planners in the creation of zoning ordinances, contributing expertise on land use restrictions and environmental considerations during drafting stages.
- Conducted comprehensive research on industry trends, enabling more informed decision-making and strategy development.
- Prepared high-quality reports on planning activities, ensuring timely submission to relevant stakeholders as required by regulatory guidelines or internal processes.
- Offered general information assistance with planning, housing, annexation and development related issues.
- Processed land-use entitlements and related construction permits.
- Assisted with interpretation and advisement regarding the Zoning Code and other land-use documents.
- Reviewed planning and building applications for compliance with the zoning code.
Planning Technician
City Of Laguna Beach
04.2019 - 04.2021
- Evaluated proposed developments for compliance with local regulations, ensuring sustainable growth within the community.
- Assisted in streamlining the permit application process for improved efficiency and customer satisfaction.
- Facilitated timely review of permit applications by coordinating with other agencies for necessary approvals or input on specific aspects of proposals.
- Prepared comprehensive presentations for public hearings that clearly articulated project objectives and potential impacts on surrounding areas.
- Supported long-range planning efforts by gathering data, mapping trends, and analyzing spatial information using GIS software.
- Preparation of staff reports related to conditional use permits, variances, ordinance amendments, zone changes, general plan amendments and various other special projects.
- Answered questions and provided information to the public through telephone inquiries, the public counter, and community meetings.
- Maintained and updated the City's geo-referenced databases from demographic data and a variety of sources created by City departments, such as public works and public safety.
- Implemented GIS technology-driven solutions utilized computer hardware and peripherals to create and input data in relational database packages.
- Operated computer equipment, such as plotters, printers and digitizer for maintenance and output of maps, graphics and statistical reports.
Planning Intern
City Of Laguna Beach
07.2016 - 04.2019
- Collaborated cross-functionally with planning and other teams to cement partnerships and achieve mutual goals.
- Conducted site assessments to verify plan accuracy and feasibility of proposed developments.
- Evaluated permits for zoning changes and building projects by closely checking information against approval requirements.
- Input data into Energov to maintain searchable planning database of population numbers and land use statistics.
- Utilized GIS to compare and plot the definition of "bluff top" from both the City of Laguna Beach and the California Coastal Commission.
- Reviewed and reported the differences between the practical applications of the "bluff top"definitions for the City of Laguna Beach and the California Coastal Commission.
Education
Bachelor of Science Degree - City & Regional Planning
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY
San Luis Obispo, CA06.2016
Skills
- GIS
- Photoshop
- InDesign
- Illustrator
- SketchUp
- Word
- Excel
- PowerPoint
- Site inspections
- Project management
- Zoning research
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
Accomplishments
Worked on Landscape and Scenic Highways Element (LSHE) and companion Landscape and Scenic Highways Resource document for the City of Laguna Beach, which received an American Planning Association (APA) award in 2019.
Planning Projects
- San Luis Obispo Redevelopment – Partner Project, 03/01/14, 105,000 square feet at the intersection of Santa Rosa and Monterey in San Luis Obispo. Conducted site visit, analysis, design, and presentation alongside other student projects.
- Morro Bay Embarcadero Redevelopment – Group Project, 06/01/14, Real world project presented to the City of Morro Bay. Redevelop the Embarcadero to include new uses while remaining pedestrian and environmentally friendly. Features: hotel, commercial development, botanical garden, pedestrian walkways, and bike paths.
- Wasco Redevelopment – Group Project, 11/01/14, Real world project presented to the City of Wasco. Included field work, site analysis, design, and final report. Redevelop a highway corridor in Wasco to make the area into a walkable commercial center.
Summary Of Qualifications
Land Use/Transportation Studies, Planning for and with Multiple Publics, Computer Applications for Planning, Urban Design Studio, Housing and Urban Development, Environmental Planning and CEQA, Fiscal and Project Feasibility, Plan Implementation, GIS, Photoshop, InDesign, Illustrator, SketchUp, Word, Excel, PowerPoint
Timeline
Associate Planner
City Of Laguna Beach
12.2023 - 04.2025
Assistant Planner
City Of Laguna Beach
04.2021 - 12.2023
Planning Technician
City Of Laguna Beach
04.2019 - 04.2021
Planning Intern
City Of Laguna Beach
07.2016 - 04.2019
Bachelor of Science Degree - City & Regional Planning
CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC STATE UNIVERSITY
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