The Seattle Times
Joseph Tovar, Special to The Times

Joe Tovar writes about local government's role in protecting our cultural heritage, environment and sense of place in the Pacific Northwest. He calls for change from not only the governments but also from each individual about where and how to live, work and move about the region.

Joe Tovar is president of the Washington chapter of the American Planning Association. He also serves on the Cascade Agenda Advisory Committee at Cascade Land Conservancy.