Abu Dhabi Emirate, United Arab Emirates
Val Zillig, AICP has over 25 years of experience in Urban Planning, Regulatory Reform, Real Estate, Governance and Development on four continents ( North America, Europe, Africa and Asia). Currently, he is working for Buro Happold on several urban planning projects in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, North Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Before his work with Buro Happold, he was the Urban Planning Advisor at the Sharjah Urban Planning Council. In Sharjah, he managed a variety of projects including the Sharjah Corniche Redevelopment, the Sharjah Strategic Plan and the Sharjah Cycle Network Plan. Prior to this, he was Planning Manager with the Abu Dhabi Urban Planning Council (UPC) in the UAE. In this position with the UPC, he was responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of area plans, zoning codes, real estate policy, regulatory laws, redevelopment schemes and frameworks regarding Urban Planning. Previously, he was an Assistant Commissioner with the Department of Planning and Development with the City of Chicago. There he oversaw area plan developments, zoning review, financial aid packages, design review and planning for the City of Chicago (NW District), an area with over 800,000 residents and including O’Hare International Airport. Before working for the City of Chicago, he managed and worked on international projects in Chicago, Germany, Bosnia Herzegovina, South Korea and the United Kingdom on behalf of the World Trade Center and the City Colleges of Chicago. He has been a guest lecturer at the Sorbonne University UAE , New York University UAE, American University of Iraq/Sulaymaniyah & the U of Greenwich/London. He has also been a panelist on many programs including the American Planning Association Annual Conferences, the Urban Land Institute MENA Program, the World Future Energy Summit, Future Landscape Forum and Bahraini & Iraqi Development Forums. Additionally, he has been an active adviser on projects for the Municipality of Fujairah-UAE and the Republic of Seychelles. He has visited more than 75 countries from which he takes inspiration for planning. He holds an MS in Public Policy-Urban Planning from Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, PA and a BA in Modern Languages from Saint Louis University in Saint Louis, MO.
• Developed and managed city centre regeneration plans in Saudi Arabia in Taif, Baljurashi and Ha'il • Managed design consultants for various public improvements and tourism projects • Visioned and managed new development plans for various tourism projects in Baha, Taif and Ha'il •Created baseline/existing conditions reports and infrastructure analysis for three regions in KSA •Developed vision for urban enhancements opportunities •Managed government agency clients on a daily basis •Created reports, tenders and responding to RFPs •Developed vision and land use plan for Red Sea waterfront Corniche and adjacent town •Advised and provided review and guidance for development projects in Ruwais, UAE •Managed the development of strategic plan in major Gulf Metropolis •Created policies for new strategic plan for major Gulf Metropolis •Managed the creation of a Development Code for a new City in Egypt This position includes brief sabbaticals
• Developed and managed Sharjah Strategic Plan, Eastern Region Plan and various area plans • Conducted a comprehensive legal review of development and planning laws for the creation of an Emiratewide planning law • Developed vision and managed infrastructure improvement projects including: Corniche Beach Project, University City Blvd and other important public realm areas • Developed organizational plans – strategic, hiring and budget • Advised on creative planning solutions and design strategies • Created plans and development policies for the improvement of the Emirate • Developed architectural improvement regulations • Created development review processes and review developer proposals for approvals • Developed cycle routes and plans for Sharjah Municipality • Created, issued and reviewed all tenders for Emiratewide projects • Acted as liaison to leadership, external agencies and various stakeholders
•Developed, managed and implemented the first Zoning/Land Use Codes for Abu Dhabi, Al Ain and Al Gharbia •Created area development plans for neighborhoods, blocks and districts •Managed redevelopment master planning of the Central Business District - Concept •Developed governance improvement procedures and policies •Created intergovernmental processes and private sector process •In charge of land use decisions, categorization and mapping •Review, consult and develop Emirati Real Estate Law •Managed and developed industrial planning for the Emirate •Reviewed development Proposals •Managed staff of planners and hired consultants •Created and managed team budgets •Worked with other Emirati Government Offices on major infrastructure projects •Represent the UPC at various forums and for media interviews
•Managed private real estate development, infrastructure, zoning and community related projects. •Advised Mayor, Alderman and Commissioner on planning and development issues in the district •Managed design, zoning, density and architectural issues for projects in district •Developed design objectives and area plans •Worked with retailers and developers on site selection •Created Request for Proposals and Redevelopment Plans for neighborhoods •Reviewed development proposals •Developed major infrastructure improvement plans •Represented the City and Department at community forums •Guided real estate, landmarks and financial assistance projects through legislative system •Managed staff of planners and assistants
•Acted as the organizational liaison to Planning Department and area economic development agencies •Partnered with various organizations on Civic Improvement Projects •Managed the first internationally accredited program between the US and UK including budgets, British partners and contracts. Opened, operated & managed British office for 2 years. •Prepared, managed and monitored both local and international budgets •Developed promotional materials and marketing activities for all programs •Managed staff of between 7 and 20 at any given time •Served as the primary liaison to international partners in UK and other countries •Assisted on the oversight committee for projects in Germany, Cuba, Egypt and Bosnia