Council for Quality Growth Congratulates New DeKalb County Director of Planning and Sustainability: Andrew Baker

Andrew Baker

At the May 28th  DeKalb County Board of Commissioners meeting, the Board voted to formally approve Andrew Baker as the permanent Director of Planning and Sustainability. Previously, Mr. Baker had served as Interim Director.  Andrew was chosen from a list of many candidates and his choice is to the benefit not only to the County government, but to the citizens and customers of DeKalb County.

Director Baker tells the Council for Quality Growth, “I am excited about the opportunity to lead the Planning and Sustainability Department for DeKalb County.  I truly value the vote of confidence from the CEO and the Board of Commissioners and offer my thanks.  Moving forward, the department will continue to build positive/informative relationships with neighborhood groups, merchant associations, and councils.  We will strengthen our partnership with ARC, MARTA, and other governmental entities.  More specifically, we will move forward on the Zoning Code Update, Comprehensive Transportation Plan, Master Active Living Plan, reorganization and consolidation of departments/staff for efficiency, and over hauling the permitting process.  My plan is to use technology to benefit both staff and residents.  My personal goal is to transformative and transparent and gain the trust and respect of the DeKalb County stakeholders.  Let’s get started working together today.”

Andrew joined DeKalb County in June 2006, but prior to joining DeKalb County, Andrew worked for the City of Columbia in South Carolina as a Community Development Specialist and later as a Zoning Analyst.  In addition, Andrew worked for the Hillsborough County City-County Planning Commission in Tampa, Florida where he oversaw on comprehensive plans, subdivision coordination, and zoning reviews.  His extensive experience in Urban Planning also includes more than 20 years of experience in the private sector.  Andrew started A.A. Baker and Associates, Inc. in February 1994, and operated the business for 12 years.  With a specialty in zoning, public facilitation and redevelopment plans, he subcontracted work to economists, landscape architects and facilitators.  Andrew also worked throughout Florida on community redevelopment plans, zoning code updates, master plans, and served as a member of program management teams for HOPE VI projects in Detroit, MI; Pittsburgh, PA; Santa Fe, NM; Punta Gorda, FL; and Tampa, FL.

The Council for Quality Growth commends the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners for their choice of Andrew Baker and look forward to working with Andrew.