Emily brings a wealth of experience and leadership to this crucial role, joining us at a time of exciting growth for the department and the city as a whole. She brings over a decade of experience leading Louisville, Kentucky's Metro Planning and Design Services. During her tenure, she spearheaded the successful adoption of Louisville's 20-year comprehensive plan (Plan 2040), led a multi-year equity review of the city's Land Development Code, and guided development through pre- and post-pandemic economic shifts.

Beyond the local impact of her work, Ms. Liu has extensive involvement at the national level in public policies and leadership roles within her profession. In 2022, she was awarded the planning profession’s highest honor and became the first woman in Kentucky to be inducted into the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners. She has been frequently invited to speak at national conferences, colleges, and various organizations

Emily Liu holds a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the George Washington University. She also has master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Geography from Peking University.

Vernon U. Young is a 4th generation Texan.  He has worked for the City of Dallas for over 25 years. He has held a series of roles with increasing responsibilities and complexity over the years displaying an ability to learn, grow, and adapt to evolving departmental and development needs, while continuing to build strong relationships internally and externally.  He has held the positions of the Call Center Supervisor, Executive Assistant to the Director, Permit Manager and Strategic Business Manager.

Vernon currently holds the position of Assistant Director over the Plan Review & Field Service Inspections Division within the Department of Development Services. In his current role, he is responsible for providing creative solutions to unique or complex development related issues, reducing operational inefficiencies related to plan and permit submittals, consolidating development review functions, with the overall goal being to create a better customer experience.