City Welcomes New Planning Commissioner

There's a new face on the Newark Planning Commission.

Theresa Ballard Dias, who just recently took over the vacant seat, said she thinks her extensive experience as a businesswoman and architect with the firm Struthers Dias can help make a difference in the city she has called home since 2005, her husband grew up in, and her two children attend school in.

And she noted that she has believes serving the community is important and that her experience could benefit the commission.

"Community service has always been important to me. I feel I have reached a point in my career where I have a fair amount of professional experience in dealing with Planning Commissions in other jurisdictions, and I have an understanding of their role and potential influence," Dias said. "For me, it only makes sense that I should now use that experience to help support my own city with my particular talents and insights."

Dias said her expertise not only helps make communities more beautiful, but more useful and efficient, too.

"I have a special interest in urban design and planning, and have a capable understanding of successful spatial design - not just aesthetically-handsome building design, but in how effective zoning and planning can create effective public realms," she explained.

In her bio on the Struthers Dias website, Dias refers to herself as a "dedicated advocate of affordable housing."

Dias has volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together Oakland and ACE Mentoring, and is a vice-president to the Board of Directors for Abode Services (formerly Tri-City Homeless Coalition) and Allied Housing in Fremont, and chairs their Housing Development Committee.

Dias said there are a lot of important issues coming up for Newark's city council and planning commission, and she believes her professional experience and understanding of the planning commission's process has well prepared her for her new role.

"The Planning Commission is going to play an important role this year," she said. "We will be looking at a General Plan update, as well as potentially a .  This represents a lot of opportunity for Newark."

"I will work to ensure that proposed developments and proposed planning efforts include high-quality design criteria, and that they enrich Newark in the long term."

Dias also serves on Newark's Community Development Advisory Committee.