City Manager Appoints Director of PBT Department

Published on October 26, 2023

Alameda City Manager Jennifer Ott announced the selection of Allen Tai as the City’s permanent Director of the Planning, Building, and Transportation (PBT) Department starting November 6, 2023.

“Allen has more than 20 years of experience working in the field of planning, including over 14 years working for the City of Alameda, most recently as the Acting PBT Director,” stated City Manager Jennifer Ott. “Allen’s commitment to serving Alameda’s residents and businesses and his strong relationships throughout the City organization make him ideally qualified for this role.”

PBT assists the community plan, implement, and manage changes to the physical and natural environment consistent with local, regional, state, and federal policies and regulations. The department includes the Planning Division, Permit Center, Sustainability and Resilience Division, Building Division, Transportation Planning, and Code Enforcement.

“I am grateful to have served the Alameda community for nearly 15 years and I am eager to continue collaborating with City staff, residents, businesses, and local organizations to meet the evolving needs in our community,” stated Allen Tai. “I am honored to be the first Asian-American director to lead the Planning Building and Transportation Department in the City of Alameda.”

Mr. Tai obtained his bachelor’s from the University of Southern California before completing a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning at San Jose State University. He is a certified city planner through the American Institute of Certified Planners and a LEED Accredited Professional.

PBT’s work program over the next 12 months includes implementing the new Housing Element, updating the Climate Action and Resiliency Plan, and continuing to plan for an estuary water shuttle and future bridge crossing.

The City extends its thanks to Andrew Thomas who is retiring from the City of Alameda after serving as PBT Director and Planning Section Chief of the Emergency Operations Center during the COVID-19 pandemic.