ARROYO GRANDE, CALIFORNIA – The City of Arroyo Grande is pleased to announce the appointment of Whitney McDonald as its new Community Development Director. 
Ms. McDonald recently served as General Counsel to the Nipomo Community Services District and Contract Assistant City Attorney to the City of San Luis Obispo, and previously served the County of San Luis Obispo Planning and Building Department on a full range of land use issues as Deputy County Counsel. Ms. McDonald ’s experience includes review and guidance enacting general plan amendments, land use ordinances, and considering development proposals. Ms. McDonald’s land use background encompasses topics such as housing, subdivisions, oil development, mobile home parks, mining, telecommunications, medical marijuana, rail transportation, renewable energy, the California Environmental Quality Act, and laws affecting the land use entitlement process.
Ms. McDonald holds a Juris Doctor from the University of California, Los Angeles, School of Law and a B.A. with High Honors, from the University of California, Santa Barbara.
“Not only is Whitney a highly competent land use professional and dedicated public servant, she is also a highly approachable problem-solver who will be an amazing addition to the community” says City Manager, Jim Bergman.
Ms. McDonald will start with the City during the week of February 3, 2020, and will begin introducing herself to the community shortly thereafter.
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Jim Bergman, City Manager
(805) 473-5400
jbergman@arroyogrande.org