Jeffrey Harlan

A creative problem solver, writer, advocate, and strategist, Jeff Harlan thoughtfully guides developers, public agencies, and private organizations through land use planning efforts. He brings a unique perspective to challenging land use and regulatory problems in California, shaped by his experience as a local elected official, planning commissioner, director for a state land conservancy, attorney, and private planning consultant. With over 25 years of knowledge and expertise, Mr. Harlan draws on his varied background to counsel real estate developers and property owners on all aspect of development, from due diligence and entitlement processing to community engagement and litigation strategies.

Mr. Harlan earned his BA in Design of the Environment from the University of Pennsylvania, and J.D. from Vermont Law School, where his focused on environmental and land use law. In addition to his private practice at law firms and planning consultancies, he has enjoyed a career working with and within government agencies. Elected in 2020, Mr. Harlan is a city councilmember for the City of Costa Mesa, and also served as the city's Planning Commission Vice Chair for four years. He began his public service over two decades ago as the deputy to District and Environmental Policy to Los Angeles City Councilmember Ruth Galanter, where he focused on local planning issues, citywide sustainable development and smart growth initiatives, and legislation. Mr. Harlan also served as the planning director for the Baldwin Hills Conservancy, developing plans and strategies to administer $40 million in bond funding for the creation of a 1,400-acre park in Los Angeles.