Richard Benner served in the Office of Metro Attorney from 2001 to 2012, advising Metro on urban growth management and transportation. He also served as Director of the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development, the state agency overseeing Oregon’s statewide land use planning program and was the Executive Director of the Columbia River Gorge Commission during development of the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area management plan. Prior to that, he spent 12 years as a staff attorney with 1000 Friends of Oregon. He is a graduate of Princeton University, where he received a degree in history, and the University of Oregon Law School. Mr. Benner continues to serve on boards and committees and speaks and writes about growth management and sustainability. Richard was recognized by the American Planning Association for “Distinguished Leadership by a Professional Planner” and received the “Public Stewardship Award” from the Oregon Environmental Council.