Joe Tovar

Joe Tovar is a Lecturer in Urban and Environmental Planning & Policy at Western Washington University's College of the Environment, with a concurrent appointment as Affiliate Associate Professor at the University of Washington. A FAICP-certified planner, he has contributed to Washington's Growth Management Act framework since its inception.

His work focuses on systemic reforms in urban planning, housing policy, climate resilience, and tribal sovereignty integration. Key projects include managing the Road Map to Washington’s Future legislative review and implementing the state's middle housing legislation (HB 1110).

Professional Highlights:

• Growth Management Hearings Board Member (1992-2004)
• Planning Director for Shoreline, Covington & Bainbridge Island
• Middle Housing Policy Lead, WA Commerce Department (2022-2023)