Deanna Chow appointed as assistant community development director

The City of Menlo Park is pleased to announce the appointment of Deanna Chow to the position of assistant community development director effective July 23, 2018. Ms. Chow is currently employed as a principal planner for the city, a position she has held since September 2015.

When announcing the appointment, City Manager Alex D. McIntyre stated, “Deanna is a talented planner and has proven herself as a project manager for the ConnectMenlo General Plan Update and Housing Element Update projects. She is well respected by her colleagues and I am confident that she, and her team, can accomplish great things for the community.”

Ms. Chow has over 18 years of experience in the planning profession. Before joining Menlo Park, she worked as a planner for the City of San Jose. She also worked in the Economic Development Department for the City of Pittsburg. Ms. Chow has a BA in Development Studies from the University of California Berkeley and an MA in Urban Planning from the University of California Los Angeles.

“I’m looking forward to expanding my leadership role in the department,” Ms. Chow said. “Menlo Park is a fantastic community and I value the opportunity to continue our work to enhance community vibrancy and the quality of life for all residents.”

The City’s Community Development Department is responsible for providing the community with short and long-range planning, land use entitlements, building inspections and permitting, as well as housing and economic development programs. In addition, Community Development staff also provides staff support to the Planning Commission and Housing Commission.

Ms. Chow fills the vacancy created when Mark Muenzer was promoted from assistant community development director to community development director in April 2018.