Lexington Appoints New Planning Director

LEXINGTON, MA — Lexington appointed Amanda Loomis to the position of Planning Director. Loomis has experience in the position, serving as the Planning Board Administrator for the City of Framingham.

She will be responsible for managing the operations of the planning office, and the short-term and long-range planning of land and development in Lexington. Loomis will also be the primary staff advising and implementing the Planning Board’s goals.

“I couldn’t be more pleased that Amanda has chosen to bring her energy, knowledge and professional accomplishments to Lexington,” said Assistant Town Manager for Development Carol Kowalski,“She is a great match for the Town’s immediate planning objectives, such as the comprehensive plan update, the Hartwell Corridor initiative, and the Planning Board’s busy agenda."

In Framingham, Loomis focused on permitting, land use regulation, zoning by-law development, and neighborhood zoning and planning. She managed a number of complex and impactful land use initiatives, including a comprehensive re-write of Framingham’s Master Land Use Plan, as well as their rules and regulations governing subdivisions.

During her time with the city, Framingham saw a reduction in the time it took the planning board to review projects from 9-18 months to 21-60 days. A majority of her time in Framingham was spent working with an elected planning board and a representative town meeting form of government prior to its transition to a city.

“I have been impressed with Amanda’s professional approach during her first weeks with the Town. Her education and background are a perfect fit for Lexington,” said Planning Board Chair Bob Creech,“Her experience includes streamlining processes and re-writing regulations, which points to a root-cause, problem-solving mindset and is something the Town will benefit greatly from."

Amanda holds a master’s degree in community planning and development from the University of Southern Maine, a graduate certificate in project management from Northeastern University and is credentialed through the American Institute of Certified Planners.

“I am both excited and honored to join a great team that is working on a number of projects addressing issues associated with traffic, housing, and sustainable practices,” Loomis said, “I’m looking forward to making processes associated with permitting, zoning, and land use as efficient and transparent as possible for our residents and businesses."