CT Native Named to Trumbull Planning and Development Post

Jamie Bratt, the director of Planning and Economic Development for the Washington, D.C. Improvement District is returning to her home state to work for .

Bratt has been named the Town’s new Director of Planning & Development and will start May 1. 2012, said First Selectman Tim Herbst.

She is the Director of Planning & Economic Development for the NoMa Business Improvement District in Washington, DC.  The NoMa Business Improvement District is a private non-profit with a $2 million budget, dedicated to local smart growth and community-building.

"As Director, Ms. Bratt has been responsible for public realm planning, placemaking, development design review, tenant recruitment and market research.  Ms. Bratt also assisted in developing legislation for $51.5 million in tax increment financing mechanism to fund public parks acquisition and development," Herbst said.

“Jamie has the energy, intellect and work ethic to make an outstanding Director of Planning and Development for the Town of Trumbull,” Herbst said.  “Throughout the screening process, Jamie shined with a demonstration of knowledge and skills that will serve the Town of Trumbull well. As I indicated in December, updating the Town’s Plan of Conservation and Development and continuing on our forward track with positive economic development remains a top priority of my administration.  I am confident that Jamie’s skill set will serve our overall land use goals well and I look forward to working with her in the months and years ahead.”

Herbst said Bratt is a native of Pomfret.

According to Herbst's press release, Bratt said, “After six years working on planning and development in Washington, DC, I am excited to return to my home state to join the team in Trumbull. I believe Trumbull has the right mix of commercial, residential, educational and recreational uses to thrive as a community of choice in Fairfield County. I look forward to working with local stakeholders and community leaders to help position Trumbull for long-term success.” 

Herbst added that Bratt holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and ethics from Trinity College and is completing a master’s degree from Virginia Tech in Urban and Regional Planning. She earned LEED AP designation from the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). She is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) and the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC).

"Ms. Bratt, who is an avid equestrian in her spare time, will be relocating to the area this spring along with her husband, daughter and horse," the first selectman said.

The Job 

According to the Trumbull Human Resources Office, the duties of the job include: 

1. Administrative functions of the Planning and Zoning Commission (“P&Z”) and the Zoning Board of Appeals (“ZBA”), serving as technical advisor to both Boards.
2. Determining administrative requirements, assigns priorities, and ensures that all administrative, clerical and support functions required by the Department and Boards are completed on schedule.
3. Providing technical services to P&Z and ZBA for the update and implementation of all planning and zoning issues and regulations.
4. Attending meetings, public hearings, deliberations sessions, site inspections, and professional training, as required by departmental need.
5. Ensuring that the Department, P&Z and ZBA comply with all local, state and federal rules, regulations and laws, including but not limited to all legal notice requirements.
6. Responsible for all correspondence, forms, applications, exhibits and transcripts, as needed, and may be required to testify in court; and responsible for directing staff to prepare return of records in all administrative appeals.
7. Supervising and controlling all bonds as required by P&Z or ZBA.
8. Accepting and analyzing all applications and plans for P&Z and ZBA for compliance with regulations and the Town Plan of Conservation and Development (“POCD”).
9. Responsible for preparation and administration of P&Z, ZBA, and Department budgets.
10. Administering union contract language and takes disciplinary measures, counsels employees and provides training as appropriate.
11. Consulting with and advises developers, staff, department heads and the public concerning land use proposals consistent with established policies; analyze proposals and recommend action to P & Z; recommend revisions in rules, regulations and policies, when necessary.
12. As lead planner, responsible for advising the commission as to revisions and/or modifications to the POCD, including statutory compliance with revisions.
13. Working collaboratively with the Director of Economic and Community Development in order to develop business retention and expansion models through progressive and reasoned zoning regulations and practices.
14. Supervising the Zoning Enforcement Officer (“ZEO”), and when necessary, acts in the capacity of the ZEO in order to enforce the zoning regulations and/or issue zoning permits, and supervises and assists the ZEO with developing Town policy for zoning enforcement.
15. Supervising the Blight Enforcement Officer (“BEO”), and when necessary, acts in the capacity of the BEO in order to enforce the Town’s Blight Ordinance, and supervises and assists the BEO with developing Town policy for enforcing the Town’s Blight Ordinance.
16. When necessary, assisting the agent of the Inland Wetlands and Watercourses Commission (“IWWC”) with any tasks associated with: processing IWWC applications; conducting meetings, public hearings and deliberation sessions of the IWWC; and enforcing the IWWC regulations.