Santa Cruz California

In the sun-drenched coastal enclave of Santa Cruz, California, where redwood forests meet the Pacific’s endless waves, urban planning isn’t just about blueprints and zoning—it’s about harmonizing community dreams with environmental realities. At the helm of this delicate balance is Lee Butler, the Director of Planning & Community Development for the City of Santa Cruz. Since taking the reins in 2017, Butler has become a pivotal figure in transforming Santa Cruz from a quirky beach town into a resilient, inclusive hub that tackles California’s thorniest challenges: housing shortages, climate resilience, and economic vitality. With nearly 25 years in public sector planning, Butler’s tenure reflects a blend of pragmatic expertise and passionate advocacy for livable spaces.

Lee Butler’s Journey

Born and raised in the U.S., Butler’s journey into planning was rooted in a deep appreciation for the environment. He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Sciences from the University of Virginia in 1999, a foundation that instilled in him a commitment to sustainable development. Complementing this, he pursued master’s-level coursework in public budgeting and management, honing skills essential for navigating the fiscal intricacies of city governance. His credentials extend further: Butler is an American Institute of Certified Planner (AICP) and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP BD+C), specializing in building design and construction. These certifications underscore his expertise in green building practices, ensuring that Santa Cruz’s growth aligns with eco-conscious principles.

Silicon Valley – Contentious Debates to Collaborative Wins

Butler’s career kicked off in the bustling Silicon Valley scene, where he spent over 11 years with the City of San Jose in various planning and economic development roles—from Planning Technician to Senior Planner to Senior Executive Analyst. There, he cut his teeth on large-scale projects, overseeing developments that demanded innovative community engagement strategies. He bridged gaps between stakeholders, turning contentious debates into collaborative wins. By 2012, he advanced to City Development Services Manager in Gilroy, a smaller suburban city where he managed economic development and building safety for nearly four years. His stint as Planning Manager in Santa Clara (2016–2017) further sharpened his skills in urban environments, preparing him for the unique coastal dynamics of Santa Cruz. Throughout, Butler has been praised for his composure in high-stakes meetings, his ability to distill complex policies into accessible language, and his knack for practical solutions—a rare trifecta in the often-polarizing world of city planning.

Ties to His Community

What makes Butler’s story particularly compelling is his deep ties to Santa Cruz. A resident for over 15 years by the time of his appointment, he wasn’t an outsider parachuting in with grand ideas; he was a local dad—married with young daughters—who cherished the city’s beaches, trails, and vibrant arts scene. “The city pretty much has it all,” he once said, from its built form to its climate and outdoor activities. This personal connection likely factored into his selection in June 2017, when City Manager Martín Bernal announced Butler as the new director, replacing retiree Juliana Rebagliati. Butler inherited a department overseeing a $7.2 million budget, encompassing current and advanced planning, code compliance, and building safety. Bernal highlighted Butler’s 16+ years of experience in diverse urban and suburban settings, noting his track record with major developments and fresh community outreach methods. As a LEED-accredited pro and AICP member, Butler was poised to infuse sustainability into Santa Cruz’s fabric.

Impact that is Etched into the Santa Cruz Skyline

Fast-forward to 2025, and Butler’s impact is etched into the city’s evolving skyline. One of his crowning achievements is the Downtown Expansion Plan, an ambitious rezoning of 29 acres South of Laurel Street to foster an entertainment district and housing boom. Approved unanimously by the City Council in May 2025 amid traffic and height concerns, the plan paves the way for a 3,200-seat multipurpose arena—a permanent home for the Santa Cruz Warriors—alongside up to 1,600 apartments, including at least 320 affordable units. Butler championed the initiative’s incentives for investment, emphasizing how it would weave new residents, workers, and visitors into a “thriving downtown ecosystem.” To address community pushback, the council capped building heights at 85 feet (down from 145), a compromise Butler acknowledged as balancing housing imperatives with community scale and construction realities.

Steady Hand and Green Spaces for the Win

The project’s journey was no smooth surf. In April 2025, the Planning Commission advanced it 4-1, with Butler spotlighting a local density bonus program more competitive than state mandates—offering developers floor-area flexibility in exchange for height adherence and affordability commitments. After considering 1,500 public comments, the commission recommended certification of the environmental impact report and adoption of the plan, adding nods to pedestrian enhancements and local hiring apprenticeships. Critics fretted over taller buildings and displacement risks, but Butler’s steady hand—explaining the plan’s safeguards against state overreach—helped navigate the discourse. Features like a car-free Spruce Street plaza, revamped Riverwalk seating, and improved bike paths to the beach exemplify his vision for connected, green spaces. By June 2025, the City Council certified the Downtown Plan Expansion EIR and the updated Downtown Plan, and by August 2025, the Coastal Commission had approved the changes.

Beyond Downtown Santa Cruz

Beyond downtown, Butler’s portfolio brims with housing wins. Early in his tenure, he dove headfirst into affordable solutions, streamlining density rules and council priorities while boosting departmental efficiency. In 2023, Santa Cruz snagged the state’s ProHousing Designation under his leadership, crediting innovations like increased floor-area ratios, taller downtown buildings, and expanded density bonuses—tools that unlocked streamlined approvals for pro-housing projects. These efforts are crucial as Santa Cruz races to permit 3,700+ units by 2031 per the Regional Housing Needs Allocation, all while preserving its small-town soul.

Lee Butler’s National Influence

Butler’s influence ripples nationally too. In April 2024, he presented at the American Planning Association’s National Planning Conference, sharing insights from his seven-plus years steering Santa Cruz’s growth. His work has also drawn state attention; in September of 2025, he presented on Santa Cruz’s downtown revitalization efforts to the California Chapter of the American Planning Association’s annual conference.

As November 2025 unfolds, with environmental reviews and Coastal Commission nods completed for the latest downtown updates, Butler remains a quiet force—articulating policies with clarity, fostering dialogue, and welcoming change. In a state where housing debates often devolve into gridlock, his approach reminds us that planning is personal: it’s about families affording homes near surf breaks, businesses thriving amid redwoods, and a community that grows without losing its groove. Under Butler’s guidance, Santa Cruz isn’t developing, it’s evolving into a model of thoughtful equitable progress. One can’t help but wonder: what’s next for this environmental steward turned urban architect?