Anne Arundel County Names New Planning And Zoning Director

ANNE ARUNDEL COUNTY, MD -- Steve Kaii-Ziegler has been introduced as the new director of planning and zoning for Anne Arundel County effective July 31. Kaii-Ziegler offers three decades of planning experience in the region and resides in Annapolis. The current planning director, Phil Hager, will switch positions and work directly with the county executive's office on redevelopment projects.

“Steve is a forward-thinking professional who has led the planning offices in four Maryland counties,” said county executive Pittman. “He is an innovative leader with expertise in climate change, smart growth, sustainable infrastructure, and community engagement. Steve shares my passion for land preservation, environmental protection, and sustainable growth, and he knows how to get there.”

Kaii-Ziegler is currently the director of the Charles County Department of Planning and Growth Management. During his time in this position, he supervised the adoption of small area plans and oversaw a major overhaul of the development review process to improve efficiency and reduce review times. The county also adopted a Watershed Conservation District that down-zoned approximately 36,000 acres to preserve Mattawoman Creek.

Before joining Charles County, Kaii-Ziegler was a supervisor for the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and a division chief for the City of Alexandria Department of Planning and Zoning. He has also served as planning director for Frederick, Harford and Queen Anne’s counties.

“As a longtime Annapolis resident, I am pleased to bring my experience home to Anne Arundel County,” Kaii-Ziegler said in a statement. “I look forward to working with County Executive Pittman and the dedicated staff at the Office of Planning and Zoning to implement a smart and sustainable vision for the future of the place where I live.”

There will be a town hall meeting to introduce the new director on Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. at Severna Park High School.