Michael Gibbons

Project Manager

Michael Gibbons is a Project Manager at Mintier Harnish specializing in land use planning, regulatory compliance, crime prevention through environmental design (CPTED), urban design, and community outreach. He has prepared and managed planning projects throughout California, including general plans, zoning codes, development codes, housing elements, specific plans, and design guidelines. Michael has a unique perspective having worked as a planner in both the private and public sectors, as well as serving as a police officer. Through this lens, Michael understands the inner workings of local government and the important role that planning has in addressing the ever-changing needs of communities. Michael’s work is driven by his hands-on experience in all levels of land use planning and a passion for quality design and community engagement.

Prior to working at Mintier Harnish, Michael was an Assistant Planner for the City of Napa. As part of the Current Planning team, Michael facilitated the filing and processing of a range of projects, including multi-family housing, subdivisions, mixed-use developments, cannabis dispensers, and historic preservation projects. Most notably, Michael assisted in the preparation and implementation of the City’s first accessory dwelling unit and cannabis ordinances. During his tenure with the City of Napa, Michael decided to serve the community in a different capacity. Working in the community he served and lived in fueled his desire to transition into law enforcement, where he became a City of Napa Police Officer. Using his experience in planning and community engagement, Michael implemented a holistic approach to policing by working alongside community groups and other law enforcement agencies to address the needs of local concern (e.g., homelessness, addiction, mental health). Michael transitioned back into land use planning in 2019.

Michael graduated with honors from California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly), San Luis Obispo, and holds a Bachelor’s Degree in City and Regional Planning. While at Cal Poly, Michael minored in both Real Estate Development and Sustainable Environments and served two terms as the Associated Students in Planning (ASP) President. Michael also holds an Associate of Science in Mathematics with a concentration in Architecture from Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo.