Ken Baker Planning and Development Services Director
Since joining Southlake Planning and Development Services in 1999, Ken Baker has worked to improve the quality of life in Southlake by establishing and maintaining the city’s vision for long term growth.
Under Baker’s leadership, the Planning and Development Services department has focused on ensuring that the growth of Southlake continues in a manner that promotes the city’s values and priorities of well-planned neighborhoods, quality development and preserving the natural environment. He has assisted citizens and the business community in understanding the planning process, and how important this process is in shaping the community.
Mr. Baker works with developers, residents, city staff and officials on any growth-related issues in Southlake. He regularly reviews and processes development applications and researches, prepares and updates the city’s comprehensive plan land use plan.
Working with city staff, Baker developed “Southlake 2025 Plan,” the city’s Comprehensive Plan which serves as a blueprint for Southlake’s future. The plan was recognized in 2005 by the Texas Chapter of the America Planning Association as the “Comprehensive Plan of the Year.”
“Southlake 2025 Plan” was also recognized for its outstanding planning and development strategy with the Texas American Planning Association’s “2006 Community of the Year” award. The award acknowledges the city’s excellent quality of life, its commitment to innovative development plans, its emphasis on nature preservation and its pedestrian-friendly environment.
“It’s great to work with the residents and city staff and leaders who are dedicated to making Southlake one of America’s greatest cities,” said Baker.
Mr. Baker is a veteran planning and management professional with over 17 years of experience in local government planning and administrative operations. He earned both a B.S. and M.S. from Western Kentucky University; his graduate work focus was city and regional planning. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners and the American Planning Associations.
Mr. Baker is married and has two children.