Education:

B.S., Architectual Studies, Minor in American History, University of Arkansas, Fay Jones School of Architecture (Magna Cum Laude)
M.U.R.P., University of New Orleans, College of Urban Planning and Affairs

Dara Sanders

Principal Planner and Planning Manager

Dara Sanders has 16+ years experience in long-range planning, land use planning, GIS analysis, and community engagement in Arkansas, California, Louisiana, and Tennessee. She brings creative solutions specific to each project to ensure success, balances the needs of communities and applicants, and strives to help cities achieve their vision, goals, and regulations.

Dara’s recent project responsibilities include contract planning for the cities of Brisbane, Belmont, and San Bruno and serving as project manager for updating the Scotts Valley Town Center Specific Plan.

She has managed interdisciplinary teams to produce corridor plans, neighborhood redevelopment master plans, and general plans. She implemented those plans through zoning amendments, authoring form-based zoning districts and design regulations, capital improvement plans, and private development requests. She led long-range planning projects in Nashville and also has the distinction of establishing the first planning department in a Nashville suburb during a time of its unprecedented growth.

Dara values building community relationships through the planning process, and she has successfully implemented tools and programs that have improved community trust, involvement, and buy-in.