Georgia Department of Community Affairs
Jon Albert West, AICP has extensive work experience in the field of community planning and development. Jon Albert'smost recent position was as the Director of the Community Development Division at the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, where they were responsible for overseeing various programs related to community, regional, and intergovernmental planning, as well as research and data collection. Prior to this role, they served as the Director of the Office of Planning, Research, and Geoanalytics at the same department. Jon has also held several positions as a Principal Planner, Senior Planner, and Program Manager, where they provided expertise and leadership in community planning activities. Before joining the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, Jon worked as a Planning Consultant at P.R.I.S.M. Associates, LLC, specializing in community planning and development services for small, rural communities. Jon Albert also worked briefly as a Planning Consultant at The Collaborative Firm, LLC, where they expedited a Livable Centers Initiative study for two cities. Early in their career, Jon served as the Guest Services & Sales Director at The Lodge on Little St. Simons Island. Overall, Jon Albert West, AICP has a diverse and extensive background in community planning and development.
Jon Albert West, AICP holds a Master of Science degree in Rural & Small Town Planning from the University of West Georgia, which they obtained from 2004 to 2006. Prior to that, they obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Berry College, spanning from 1997 to 2001. Additionally, Jon West participated in a program at the University of Reading in 2000, where they focused on Politics, International Affairs, and Philosophy. Jon Albert is also certified as an AICP (American Institute of Certified Planners) and is a member of the American Planning Association. The exact year of their AICP certification and the specific month and year for their American Institute for Certified Planners membership are not provided.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs
At the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, we provide financial resources and technical assistance to help communities prepare for economic development opportunities and create workforce housing. Our team has a long history of working with local leaders to develop solutions for community issues and to create opportunities for communities to succeed in growing jobs through organic, small-business growth and through the location of economic development prospects. DCA’s strengths lie in our ability to understand a community’s challenges and opportunities and to collaborate with local governments, authorities, state agencies, and non-profits to develop locally-driven solutions. Whether it’s community development grants or housing tax credits, help with planning or recruiting volunteers, everything we do at DCA shares a common goal: helping to build strong, vibrant communities. We do this through programs that include Downtown Development, Community Development Block Grants, Rental Assistance, First Time Homebuyer programs, Affordable Housing Tax Credits, Planning and Quality Growth, and many more.