Q&A: New PZ&B Director Robin Meyer

Robin Meyer assumed the role of Longboat Key Planning Zoning & Building Director Monday, May 14.He most recently served as St. Lucie County assistant director of growth/management/building and code regulation manager; he was chosen from a pool of 62 candidates who applied for the position. He will earn an annual salary of $93,000 and oversee a staff of 10.

Meyer, 61, began his career in Tacoma, Wash., and has worked in planning for 38 years. He said he was drawn to Longboat Key because he has always sought new challenges throughout his career. In a cover letter that accompanied his resumé when he applied for the position, he described the wide scope of his experience, writing:

“I have a broad-based career that has allowed me to have hands-on experience working in all areas of planning, from code enforcement to land-use administration to transportation, comprehensive planning, shoreline and environmental planning.

Meyer had driven through Longboat Key prior to his interview for the position last month but had never actually stayed on the island. But now, he’ll be seeing a lot of the Key: In addition to heading the PZ&B department, he is now a Country Club Shores resident.

Why did you choose a career in planning?
When I was in college, planning was an interdisciplinary degree. I didn’t really know what I wanted to do, and because of the options and educational opportunities, I decided to give it a try. Then, an opportunity with the city of Tacoma, Wash., came along, and I never looked back.

What do you consider to be your proudest career accomplishment?
I think the one that was the most unique was doing a station in a Tacoma light-rail line. It’s something that most people as a planner don’t get the opportunity to do. Throughout my career, I’ve always tried to take on different challenges.

Describe your first week on the job as Longboat Key Planning Zoning & Building director.
Running from one meeting to another, getting to know elected officials and trying to get to know staff.

What are your top priorities for your first year as PZ&B director?
I’ve been told that the most important is the RFP for the Comprehensive Plan update. Part of it is, I need to become familiar with staff, what’s going on and how we do things. I’ve never been the type of person to come in and say, “This is the way we’re going to do this,” without understanding the way things are done. After I become familiar with the way we do things, then we’ll look for ways to improve on quality and service of work.

What unique planning challenges does Longboat Key face?
It has its own personality. That’s any community. This is a very well-to-do community. Aesthetically, it’s a beautiful community. That’s part of this Comprehensive Plan update: figuring out how to maintain that and the quality of life. I understand that there are commercial properties and resorts that are looking to upgrade, so the question is how to do that without adversely affecting quality of life. I don’t have the answer.