CARPC Kicks Off 2024 by Welcoming New Director
MADISON, WI – The Capital Area Regional Planning Commission, one of the nine commissions in Wisconsin established to coordinate planning and development among area municipalities, has selected Mr. Jason Valerius, AICP as its new Executive Director.
Jason brings decades of experience and leadership to the CARPC team. He has served as a Planner and Senior Team Leader at MSA Professional Services, a multidisciplinary consulting firm specializing in the sustainable development of communities. Over his tenure with MSA, Jason worked in urban design and development, sustainability policy, housing strategies and community engagement. He has also been active with the Wisconsin Chapter of the American Planning Association, serving for seven years on their Board of Directors, including two as President.
“Jason brings expertise in many of our core activities,” said CARPC’s Executive Chairperson David Pfeiffer. “His extensive leadership experience, commitment to protecting natural resources, passion for sustainability and ability to connect with diverse groups of people made it clear he was the perfect fit for the position.”
He holds bachelor’s degrees in government and psychology from Lawrence University and master’s degrees in urban planning and architecture from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee.
“It is an exciting time to begin leading the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission,” said Valerius. “This month, we are kicking off a strategic planning process. I am thrilled to use my knowledge and experience to help connect people and facilitate action toward our goals of limiting the effect of climate change, ensuring accessing to jobs and housing and protecting our natural resources.”
Steve Steinhoff, CARPC’s current Agency Director, will retire on Feb. 6, 2024, after 13 years of dedicated service. As Director, Mr. Steinhoff led the agency through several long-range regional planning processes, including A Greater Madison Vision and development of the 2050 Regional Development Framework. Jason and Steve have been working together since Jan. 2 to share some of Steve’s deep knowledge of the region and the organization.
About the Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC): The Capital Area Regional Planning Commission (CARPC) strengthens the region by engaging communities through planning, collaboration and assistance. CARPC develops and promotes regional plans, provides objective information and supports local planning efforts throughout Dane County and the surrounding region.