EMC Planning Group Inc.

Anastazia Aziz, AICP - Principal

Anastazia Aziz, AICP
Principal

Ms. Aziz is a seasoned land use and coastal planning professional with over 20 years of experience in housing policy, project management, and environmental planning. She joined EMC Planning Group as a Principal in 2022 and brings extensive expertise in developing CEQA documents, coordinating with clients and stakeholders, managing subconsultants, and facilitating public meetings.  Throughout her career, Ms. Aziz has successfully represented public clients in Monterey, Mendocino, Santa Cruz, and Stanislaus counties.

At EMC, Ms. Aziz leads several initiatives focused on coastal hazards, including sea-level rise and climate change adaptation. She is currently working on local coastal program amendments for Carmel-by-the-Sea and Marina, and updating visual and cultural resources policies for the County of Mendocino.

In addition, Ms. Aziz leads a housing policy team, overseeing the preparation of Housing Elements and related implementation strategies for multiple jurisdictions. She has extensive experience in site inventory development, residential rehabilitation programs, and Municipal Code revisions to comply with State housing laws. Notably, Ms. Aziz played a key role in achieving Housing Element certification for clients in Monterey and Stanislaus counties.

Prior to joining EMC, Ms. Aziz served as Director of the Community Development Department at the City of Pacific Grove, where she worked for eight years. During her tenure, she achieved several key milestones, including securing the city’s first certified Local Coastal Program and updating the Historic Resources Inventory. She also managed water entitlements, Municipal Code amendments, and a diverse portfolio of planning projects. Additionally, she worked for the City of San Jose for 12 years before relocating to the Monterey Peninsula.

Education

  • B.E.S. – University of Waterloo, Canada, Environmental Studies with a major in urban and regional planning, and a minor in English Literature
  • Commonwealth Scholarship – University of Colombo, Sri Lanka. Researched urban industrial pollution and related environmental issues.

Professional Associations

  • AICP – American Institute of Certified Planners (Certified Planner Number 017974)
  • APA California – 2025 Mobile Workshop Conference Co-Chair
  • APA Mentorship Program

Community Involvement

  • Pacific Grove Unified School District – Community Bond Oversight Committee Member
  • Butterfly Parade and Bazaar – Food Committee Chair