WESTERVILLE, Ohio — Westerville, Ohio has appointed David Efland as its new Planning & Development Director, effective from June 12.
Efland brings a wealth of experience and expertise in urban, town/gown, and suburban planning to his new role, having spent 18 years as the director of the Planning & Community Development Department at the City of Delaware.
Efland holds a Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University and a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University in Urban and Regional Planning. He is also a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners, an honor recognizing outstanding contributions of professional planners.
In his previous role, Efland directed all planning and development activity in and around the fastest growing county in Ohio. He steered the community’s two-year old comprehensive plan, Delaware Together, and administered nearly $2 billion in construction investment, and a 42% growth in population.
Efland’s appointment as the Planning & Development Director for Westerville is seen as a positive move for the city as it continues to grow economically and residentially. In his new role, Efland will oversee a staff of 30 and will manage planning efforts for housing, mobility, and special districts, among others. He will also manage the continued implementation of the Westerville Community Plan, the upcoming publication of an updated zoning code and other planning efforts for Uptown Westerville.
Westerville Assistant City Manager Jason Bechtold said, “Efland’s expertise and experience in urban, town/gown, and suburban planning made him the right choice to capitalize on development opportunities that make sense for Westerville as it continues its growth trajectory with both economic and residential opportunities.”
Efland’s recognition as a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners is further proof of his outstanding contributions to the planning profession. Invitations to join the College of Fellows come after a thorough peer nomination and review process, ensuring the candidate has had a positive, long-lasting impact on the planning profession. Efland was nominated by APA Ohio and is one of only two Ohioans and the first City of Delaware planner to receive this recognition.
Efland’s appointment as the Planning & Development Director for Westerville is sure to bring positive changes and improvements to the city’s planning and development initiatives.