City hires part-time assistant planner

Brian Rankin. Photo by Shane Simonsen

Brian Rankin takes his position as Assistant Planner for the City of Sisters in the midst of high interest in growth and change in the city.

Rankin has worked as a consultant in the planning field for eight years, doing work on site plans and facilitation for school districts. While maintaining some work as a consultant, Rankin now works 20 hours a week for the City of Sisters.

"I've worked with the city for a couple of years now," said Rankin, who participated in such projects as the Transportation Systems Plan and the Buildable Lands Inventory.

Now that he's an official member of the staff, Rankin is happy with his job.

"Neil (Thompson) is so slammed with his work. I get to help him with a variety of projects," said Rankin, who enjoys the mix of responsibilities.

He is currently developing data sets for the Geographic Information System, fielding questions and learning to interpret and understand the development code.

A favorite part of Rankin's job is working with the public. He didn't have such opportunities in his years as a consultant.

A Bend resident for eight years, Rankin was raised near Yosemite National Park, in Sonora, California. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Policy Analysis and Planning from the University of California, Davis.

During his youth he spent a great deal of time in Jamestown, California where his father had a dental practice. Over the last 20 years, Rankin watched as tourists replaced residents. Buildings once used as markets and professional buildings now house art galleries and antique stores. The loss of community bothers him to some extent.

"I like it when a town is self-sufficient," said Rankin, "when a town can still function and be vital by doing your business there."

Rankin believes that Sisters is a vital community.

He attributes its vitality to the school system, the residents and such organizations as the Community Action Team of Sisters Trails Committee.

"As small a town as it is, the people seem very professional and smart; casual yet sophisticated," said Rankin, "There is a strong sense of community here."

Rankin says he doesn't have a personal agenda for Sisters.

"My job is to look at and implement the code," said Rankin. "Implementation matters just as much as the policy if not more."

It is just as important, in Rankin's mind, for a planner to inform the city of its options. Likewise Rankin believes it is important that residents become informed and involved in the planning of their community.

"Planning is important in how it develops our living environment," he said.

"I believe our activities are dependent on that space."