Howard County Executive Calvin Ball announced Monday the appointment of Amy Gowan as Director of Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning.

“I am proud to announce that Amy Gowan has accepted the role of Director of the Department of Planning and Zoning (DPZ). Through Amy’s leadership and experience, we will ensure that Howard County moves forward with sustainable land development, thoughtful community planning and necessary supporting infrastructure to provide a better quality of life for all residents,” County Executive Ball said.

Gowan has served as Deputy Director since 2015, until recently stepping up to Acting-Director after previous Director Valdis Lazdins left in November to become Assistant Secretary with the Maryland Department of Planning. Prior to her tenure with Howard County, Gowan worked for the City of San Diego as an advisor to the Mayor.

According to a press release:

DPZ helps shape the growth and future of Howard County by facilitating the development of safe, healthy, equitable, connected, and sustainable communities, concurrently respecting individual rights and protecting the County’s natural environment, its historical integrity, and character. This includes a responsibility for community planning, conservation and preservation, and land development. In 2019, DPZ was integral in restarting the Ellicott City Watershed Master Plan, commencing an update to the County’s General Plan, and continuing progress on completing a Route 1 Corridor Master Plan.

“It is an exciting time for Planning and Zoning,” said Gowan. “We are embarking on a General Plan that will set the vision, policy and goals for the County’s growth over the next 20 years. I look forward to continuing this work in conjunction with our talented team of professional staff and aspire to build on our collective successes so that Howard County continues to thrive into the future.”

See the full press release for more information.