Planning Director, Sarpy County, NE

Bruce Fountain has been the director of the Sarpy County Planning and Building Department since 2011. He has an extensive background in the planning, economic development and business management professions. This includes experience in comprehensive planning, strategic corridor planning studies, downtown and neighborhood redevelopment, development and implementation of zoning and subdivision regulations, site planning, tax increment financing and urban renewal. He has also been active in business retention and expansion, business recruitment and marketing efforts throughout his career.

Immediately prior to joining Sarpy County, Fountain worked as business development director for the Sarpy County Economic Development Corporation. His other work experience includes that of associate city planner for the City of Port St. Lucie, FL; project manager in the City Manager’s Office of Economic Development for the City of Des Moines, IA; economic development director/interim president of the Olathe, KS Area Chamber of Commerce; district manager for ALDI, Inc. in the Kansas City and Omaha regions; and planning manager for Schemmer Associates in Omaha.

Fountain received his bachelor’s degree in Community and Regional Planning with an emphasis in economic development from Iowa State University. He also has a master’s degree in Public Administration from Drake University. He has attended numerous leadership development courses and has served as both a planning commissioner and city councilman in communities where he has resided. He is a member of the American Planning Association (APA) and the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). In addition, he is also certified by the National Development Council as an Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP). Fountain is an active member of the Nebraska Planning & Zoning Association and the Nebraska Economic Developers Association. He also currently serves as president of the Nebraska Chapter of APA.

Inspiration for Serving on PAC

"I serve on the council as the representative of the NE Chapter of APA as I am its current president."