Avi Epstein serves as the Principal Planner for the City of Albany and is primarily responsible for the management of the city’s land use policies under the Unified Sustainable Development Ordinance (USDO), Albany’s zoning code. This includes reviewing proposed development for compliance with the USDO standards, while working with applicants and stakeholders along the way. He also staffs the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Technical Review Committee, and represents the Planning Department on the city’s Cannabis Advisory Committee.
Additionally, Avi manages the collection and analysis of relevant data to help shape planning studies and strategic initiatives in the areas of housing, transportation and land use. He also coordinates with the Albany County Land Bank and other regional organizations to ensure quality development is undertaken. Avi earned his master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University at Albany and his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Geography from Binghamton University.
In his spare time, Avi enjoys spending quality time with his daughter and super-stubborn husky. As an avid hiker and landscape photographer, Avi can often be found out on a trail.