Heather LaVarnway, CNU-A

A Senior Planner with the Dutchess County Department of Planning and Development, Heather has almost 25 years of experience in community and municipal planning with demonstrated knowledge in reviewing development proposals and zoning codes in support of community and countywide goals, analyzing the causes of and creating solutions to housing availability and affordability challenges, and creating alternative site designs that uphold New Urbanist principles in support of quality placemaking.

Heather led the 2022 countywide Housing Needs Assessment and then created the framework for, and currently administers, the subsequent Dutchess County Housing Trust Fund with over $12 million in initial funding. In addition, she spearheads the Department’s education efforts through the publication of eNewsletters and the offering of periodic training sessions on a wide variety of planning topics.

Working in an advisory role in a state with strong home rule authority, Heather believes that collaboration at the local level is one place where differences can be made in the quality of our built environment and preservation of our natural environment. From big-picture form and site planning considerations to the smallest of details, such as lighting and signage, Heather enjoys sharing her expertise on a wide array of topics in order to make a positive impact on local communities. She holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry.