Aspen, Colorado – December 14, 2020 – The City of Aspen has named Amy Simon the city’s new Planning Director, effective today. Amy has served with the city’s historic preservation program for 27 years and as the Interim Planning Director since March 2020.
Simon has brought a breadth of knowledge and passion to the Aspen community since moving here in 1993. She holds a bachelor’s degree in environmental design from the University of Colorado and a master’s degree in historic preservation from Boston University. In her time with the City of Aspen, she has managed all aspects of the historic preservation review process and served as the primary authority on historic preservation planning and policy for the city’s positions and interests. She also is versed in writing and presenting code amendments and interpretations.
“I have loved my career with the City,” Simon stated. “I am proud to be a part of preserving the valued aspects of the built environment that have been created by Aspenites before us and look forward to continuing that stewardship by promoting a high standard for contemporary development in Aspen.”
Simon is a creative, problem-solving innovator who has positively influenced Aspen’s building design over the last three decades. “Amy has dedicated her career to the community,” said Director of Community Development, Phillip Supino. “Her passion for the preservation and thoughtful evolution of Aspen's development comes through in her energy and dedication to her job. After watching her lean into her role as Interim Director and taking on the demanding position with assurance, I’m excited to see where she takes the planning division of Community Development in the future.”
Simon will play an integral role in preserving Aspen’s world-renowned heritage while guiding the community into the future. "Amy brings the right mix of experience, leadership, and vision for Aspen," said City Manager Sara Ott. "She fully appreciates Aspen's rich history, and her understanding of the qualities and values of the community enables her to hit the ground running on our city's future needs."
As the planning director, Simon will manage all aspects of land use caseload, including determining application completeness, overseeing the new Salesforce system, and serving as a leader for City Planning and Zoning staff who manage current planning, historic preservation, long-range planning, zoning enforcement, and special projects.
“I love and appreciate Aspen’s story and look forward to continuing my relationships with the City, the private sector, and property owners looking to improve the livability of Aspen,” says Simon.
The City of Aspen’s planning division works to ensure the City of Aspen remains a vibrant, safe, and livable community by preserving Aspen’s unique history and reviewing development projects big and small to ensure compliance with Aspen's Land Use Code. For information about the City of Aspen’s planning division, visit www.cityofaspen.com/194/Planning-Zoning.
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