Chaz (aka Charles Bates) holds a Masters degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University, and was recently confirmed by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). Prior to joining Studio Cascade, Chaz worked for the Washington State Department of Community Trade and Economic Development (CTED), where he worked with numerous local governments across Washington. Over the last four years, he has gained extensive technical expertise with Washington State’s Growth Management Act, Environmental Policy Act, the Shoreline Management Act and State case law. Chaz currently serves as Secretary on the Board of the Inland Empire Section of the American Planning Association.