David Contreras

Background

About David Contreras

As a Land Use Planner, my core strength is optimizing development opportunities that generate economic benefits and sensitive and strategic land use growth. Bringing industry-specific insights, 20+ years of battle-tested city planning experience, and a passion for building relationships, mentoring and leading planning staff, historical preservation, and environmentally friendly development, I partner with real estate agents, attorneys, architects, engineers, and landowners to develop win-win strategies. Throughout my career, I excelled at resolving critical issues with land development initiatives. These ranged from projects on sites with historic or archaeological significance, projects opposed by the community, and initiatives requiring meaningful consultation with Native American tribes. I steered these complex projects, winning the trust of the public over or influencing plan changes as required. My efforts resulted in valuable trust-based relationships. A key project that I worked on was the Marriott - Inn at the Mission, San Juan Capistrano. Once it was announced that Marriott was seeking approvals for a 4-star hotel right across the Mission, the public voiced strong opposition. Before the transfer of new-ownership, plans to build a 3-star hotel already existed & had won approval. I demonstrated that the new plan remained in substantial compliance with the original approvals & with all applicable laws in highly attended public meetings. I also handled a high volume of calls, emails, and in-person visits from members of the community and allayed their concerns. I steered the project, ten years in the making, through public hearings and litigation. Despite opposition, development went through. I ensured the design of the hotel was realized according to its approvals. Today, the boutique hotel is much loved by the community. Besides easing complex initiatives, I am also passionate about ensuring religious freedom. During my personal time, I advocate for several initiatives to uphold rights for churches and local community members. This ranges from advocating against mandates that violate constitutional rights to keeping churches functional and parental rights protected.