Haines Borough manager Debra Schnabel hired Tim O’Melia as the new borough planner for his skills in policy and community engagement, she said.

The job involves the administration and enforcement of Haines Borough planning and zoning laws and policies and GIS mapping systems, in addition to other responsibilities.

During the selection process O’Melia visited the community in early September and met with members of the staff and planning commission.

O’Melia recently graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in urban planning and sustainable development in 2018. He focused on environmental disaster reduction and has experience in land use research and public outreach through the City of Bellingham.

Schnabel described O’Melia as “a policy person. He has an interest in ensuring that public policy is well served by his planning efforts.”

Planning commission chairperson Sylvia Heinz noted O’Melia’s excitement to update the comprehensive plan, a document that guides the decision-making of the assembly and the planning commission.

“There are a lot of reasons why the comprehensive plan is difficult to use right now,” said Heinz. “It needs work, and Tim was excited to take on that challenge.” Heinz also noted that O’Melia has experience working with comprehensive plans.

Both Schnabel and Heinz noted O’Melia’s community engagement skills during his visit.

“He exhibited a strong sense of community planning methods,” said Schnabel. “He is a person that brings people together, and he understands the importance of dialogue.”

“He seemed excited to be working with people and had a sense of curiosity about different types of people,” said Heinz.

O’Melia is set to begin work October 14.

He was the sole applicant for the position after the only other applicant received a job offer earlier this month.

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