Franklin County Welcomes New Planning Director

Franklin County is pleased to welcome Mr. Steve Thomas as the new Franklin County Planning Director, effective June 27, 2019. He comes to Franklin County with over fourteen years of planning experience at various levels of government and within various fields of planning concentration.

“I am beyond excited to become part of the Franklin County planning team and have the opportunity to work with some wonderful folks on important initiatives that directly increase the quality of life for all Franklin County residents,” said Mr. Thomas.

Most recently, Steve served as Transportation Planner for the Hagerstown/Eastern Panhandle Metropolitan Planning Organization (HEPMPO) where he prepared the Long Range Transportation Plan, administered the Transportation Improvement Program, managed special studies and projects and provided technical assistance to the region. Prior to working for HEPMPO, he spent four years as Planner for Berkeley County, WV. While there, he conducted subdivision and site plan reviews, enforced the County’s Floodplain Management Ordinance, and coordinated County efforts with outside agencies and organizations. His most notable project was acting as County Lead Contact for the Proctor & Gamble manufacturing facility development project.

Beginning his career in Southampton Township, Cumberland County, Mr. Thomas worked as the Zoning/Code Enforcement Officer. He then assumed the role of Land Use Planner for Fulton County, assisting with the preparation of the County’s Multi-Municipal Joint Comprehensive Plan and the County-Wide Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan.  He then led an effort to draft model ordinances to be used by local municipalities.

Mr. Thomas has Bachelor of Arts degrees in both History and Geography from Shippensburg University where he now serves on the Alumni Association Board of Directors. In 2011, he received his American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) Certification through the American Planning Association. He lives in Mercersburg with his wife, Lisa, and two children, Ayla and Cooper and enjoys spending time with his family, coaching soccer at the local club, teaching Kids Club at his church, and running Spartan and Tough Mudder races.

Above image: Mr. Steve Thomas, Franklin County Planning Director

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