Urbana planning director introduces new staff, launches Housing Needs Study survey

At the April 15 Zoning Board of Appeals meeting, Community Development Services Director Olivia Jovine introduced new planning staff and outlined several administrative items, including a housing study and an upcoming filing deadline for commissioners.

Jovine said she is serving as interim principal planner and welcomed new staffers. Two planners introduced themselves on the record: Imeeru See and Kate Himic. Jovine said the department hopes to hire a permanent principal planner before the end of the month and will designate a permanent recording secretary for the board.

Jovine also reminded commissioners that filing a statement of economic interest is mandatory for those who make approvals under the zoning ordinance and that the deadline is May 1. "There are actually some very serious fines that accrue if you don't file by the date," she said, and directed commissioners to the packet materials for filing instructions.

Staff announced the Urbana Housing Needs Study, produced in partnership with the Regional Plan Commission, and encouraged all residents — landlords, tenants, and people experiencing homelessness — to complete the survey by April 30 using a QR code provided in board materials. Jovine said the study will combine census and other quantitative data with qualitative responses to identify gaps in the local housing market and inform future work under the city's comprehensive plan.

A board member raised the need to update the commission bylaws; staff recommended commissioners mark up suggested edits and offered to schedule a study session and consult the city attorney as needed. Staff also provided an on‑record list of current board members and noted one vacancy to be filled via recruitment.