PRESS RELEASE
City of Annapolis
Public Information Office
160 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724 or mwstephenson@annapolis.gov
Annapolis Appoints New Planning & Zoning Director
Michael La Place Will Assume Role from Acting Director Michael Mallinoff
ANNAPOLIS, MD (April 4, 2022) - The Annapolis City Council on March 28 approved the hiring of Michael La Place to become the City’s new director of the Department of Planning and Zoning. La Place will take over for acting Director Michael Mallinoff, who, since November 2021 has been in the role temporarily following the departure of Dr. Sally Nash.
Mallinoff is under contract with the City and will continue in that capacity through the transition.
Mr. La Place was most recently the Planning Director for Princeton, New Jersey where he worked on planning issues including urban design, transportation, affordable housing, historic preservation and economic development.
“We are very pleased to bring Michael’s deep knowledge of land-use issues and the planning process to the City of Annapolis,” said City Manager David Jarrell. “He also has experience in historic preservation and affordable housing, as well as working with top-tier academic institutions. Michael is a knowledgeable and experienced professional who will be a tremendous addition to our team.”
La Place meets or exceeds the qualifications for the position, including specific Charter requirements. According to the legislative staff report, he has:
knowledge and experience in the fields of comprehensive planning and zoning regulations,
at least three (3) years’ experience in an executive or supervisory planning position, and
an advanced degree (Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the George Washington University).
In addition, La Place has won numerous awards for Master Planning, Comprehensive Planning, Historic Preservation and Smart Growth initiatives.
In expressing his gratitude to the Mayor and City Council for the appointment, La Place stated that it is “an honor to have the opportunity to work in such a historic and vibrant community as Annapolis and one with a rich tradition of planning.”
La Place is scheduled to begin with the City the week of May 9, 2022. He will be paid $167,070 per year.
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