In the evolving landscape of local governance and community development, professionals who combine technical expertise with public-service discipline are increasingly vital. One such professional is Austin Ford, a Planner II with Kootenai County, where he has been contributing to land-use planning and community development initiatives since August 2022.
Based in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho, Ford works within the county’s Community Development Department, playing a key role in evaluating land-use applications, zoning considerations, and long-range planning efforts that directly shape how communities grow and function. His work reflects a balance between regulatory responsibility and forward-thinking planning—an approach increasingly critical in fast-growing regions like North Idaho.
Ford’s path to county planning is marked by a uniquely diverse professional background that blends public administration, military leadership, and policy exposure at the federal level. He holds an academic association with Cornell University, where he worked part-time with GTRS between 2020 and 2022. His time at Cornell helped strengthen his analytical foundation and policy awareness, both of which continue to inform his planning work today.
Before joining Kootenai County, Ford gained hands-on municipal experience as a Planning and Zoning Intern with the City of Roswell, New Mexico. During this period, he was exposed to the practical challenges of zoning administration, development review, and community engagement—experience that proved instrumental in preparing him for a full-time planning role.
What truly sets Ford apart, however, is his extensive service in the U.S. military and government institutions. He served in multiple leadership capacities within the US Army and the National Guard, including roles as a Chemical Officer and Hazardous Assessment Platoon Leader with both the California and Virginia Army National Guard units. These roles demanded high-stakes decision-making, operational discipline, and risk assessment—skills that translate seamlessly into land-use planning and regulatory oversight.
Ford’s public-service credentials also extend to Capitol Hill, where he worked as a Deputy Subcommittee Clerk for the United States Senate, as well as an intern with the U.S. House of Representatives. This exposure to federal legislative processes provided him with a deeper understanding of policy development, governance structures, and inter-agency coordination.
Today, as Planner II at Kootenai County, Austin Ford represents a new generation of planners—professionals shaped not only by academic training, but also by military service, legislative experience, and on-ground municipal work. His career reflects a strong commitment to public service and thoughtful development, ensuring that growth is managed responsibly while preserving the character and long-term vision of the communities he serves.