David Efland Named Planning & Development Director

David Efland, FAICP, was named Planning & Development Director in April. He joins the Westerville team after 18 years of leading the Planning & Community Development Department at the City of Delaware. Efland is a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners, the association’s highest honor recognizing the outstanding contributions of professional planners.

Efland holds a master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University and a bachelor’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Miami University. Prior to his time in Delaware, he held professional planning positions in Oxford, Ohio and Cincinnati.

In Delaware, Efland directed all planning and development activity in and around the fastest-growing county in Ohio. He guided the community’s comprehensive plan, Delaware Together, administered nearly $2 billion in construction investment, and oversaw a 42% growth in population. Under Efland’s leadership, he earned state and national recognition through business expansion and attraction projects in Delaware, including downtown development.

“Dave’s expertise and experience blend urban, town/gown and suburban planning, which is exactly what Westerville was seeking as we continue our growth trajectory with both economic and residential opportunities,” said Westerville Assistant City Manager Jason Bechtold. “With change happening all around us in central Ohio, Dave is the right leader in helping us capitalize on development opportunities that align with Westerville’s vision.”

Efland will oversee a staff of 30 responsible for the City’s engineering, building and code enforcement functions. He will manage the ongoing implementation of the Westerville Community Plan, the upcoming publication of an updated zoning code, and other planning efforts related to housing, mobility, and special districts, such as Uptown Westerville.

“Westerville is known across the state for its excellence in planning and development, and I want to be a part of that team,” said Efland. “While honoring the history and character of the community, we have unprecedented opportunities to build upon the existing strong quality of life enjoyed by residents, businesses and the workforce.”