My name is Matt and I want to help get your project to “yes - approved” and be the best it can be.

I am a certified city planner (AICP, American Planning Association) with over 12-years of experience. I have worked on hundreds of permit applications and managed dozens of high-profile projects across multiple states, involving local, state, and federal entities. My perspective, education, and experience all contribute to my broad, and uncommon, skill set. My breadth of experience will help take your plan or project from concept to completion.

Proud to be an officer in the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve with over 11-years of experience across five states and under six different commands. For my first four years in the service, I served as a Marine Science Technician. I hold degrees from Oregon State University (M.S. Environmental Sciences, 2021), the University of Maryland (M.H.P. Historic Preservation, 2009), Marshall University (M.A. History, 2006), and Clemson University (B.A. Sociology, 2004). In addition, I hold a graduate certificate in Water Conflict Management and Transformation from Oregon State University (2021).

Originally from Virginia Beach, Virginia, I grew up on tidal river within the Chesapeake Bay watershed. I have been to 49 states (still need Hawaii), and I have lived in seven. I have visited seven foreign countries and speak/read a little Spanish. I currently live in Buffalo, New York, with my wife and two children.

I am a FAA certified commercial drone/UAV operator (14 CFR Part 107), certified city planner (AICP, American Planning Association), qualified Architectural Historian and Historian (36 CFR Part 61), and certified Federal Acquisition Certification Contracting Officer Representative (FAC-COR Level II).

Background Image by Matt B. Lake Erie from Above (2021).