Biographies

Marc LaFerrier was appointed as the Director of the Department of Planning and Zoning for Miami-Dade County on May 20, 2008.  As Director, Mr. LaFerrier is responsible for the administration and management of the County's long range planning, urban planning, current planning, zoning and historic preservation staff and activities. Furthermore, the Department is responsible for the staff and administration of the Agricultural Practices Board, Planning Advisory Board, Historic Preservation Board, Shoreline Committee, Development Impact Committee and ten (10) Community Zoning Appeals Boards.

During his tenure as Director, the Department has sponsored numerous improvements to the Zoning Code Comprehensive Development Master Plan (CDMP), conducted and prepared several, area-wide plans, initiated Smart Growth/Sustainability policies and practices, reorganized departmental staff and functions, streamlined land development review processes and balanced the Department’s budget while continuing to deliver excellent service.

Mr. LaFerrier has more than twenty-five years of experience in urban and regional planning, community development, public administration, zoning and code enforcement. He also has had leadership roles in managing large-scale planning and development projects, contracts, staffs and budgets. Other areas of his expertise include public involvement, master plans, growth management, smart growth, housing and grant administration, interagency coordination, land development regulation, urban design, capital facility planning, economic development, and historic preservation.

Prior to joining Miami-Dade County, Mr. LaFerrier held executive positions as an administrator and director with public and private sector organizations in South Florida. Most previously, he was director of Planning and Zoning for the City of Fort Lauderdale.

Mr. LaFerrier is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and holds a Bachelors Degree in Geology/Geography and Political Science from Eastern Michigan University with subsequent graduate studies in Public Administration at City University in Seattle.