Austin Hoofnagle Urban Planner

I grew up in the Pacific Northwest, graduating from Western Washington University in 2022 with a degree in Urban Planning and Sustainable Development after earning my associate degree from Whatcom Community College. Along the way, I lived and worked in Sydney, Australia, and traveled to places like Tanzania, Portugal, Italy, and Morocco—experiences that broadened my worldview and deepened my interest in how communities and urban landscapes are shaped.

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Since graduation, I’ve worked as an Associate Planner for Island County, focusing on land use permitting—particularly shoreline and environmental reviews, SEPA compliance, and code interpretation. My responsibilities include preparing staff reports, analyzing technical reports, collaborating with agencies and tribes, mentoring new planners, and improving efficiency through procedural updates. I also serve as Vice President of AFSCME Local 1845, representing nearly 200 county employees in collective bargaining.

Beyond planning, I’m an avid outdoorsman who enjoys hiking, camping, kayaking, and scuba diving, as well as a lifelong reader and film enthusiast. Coming from a family of designers and artists, I’ve always been drawn to the intersection of creativity and the built environment—an interest reflected in this portfolio.