Zoe Warner Has Planning Expertise To Offer Malvern Borough

Pennsylvania's Primary Election is May 18. Zoe Warner is a candidate for Malvern Borough Council. She's now vice-chair of the borough's planning commission and holds a doctorate in city and regional planning. Warner said she will consider future infrastructure needs as the borough grows. There are three seats open and voters may vote for three borough council candidates.

She explained why she is running for election.

Zoe Warner

Age: 47

Position Sought: Malvern Borough Council Person

Party Affiliation: Democrat

Family: My husband, Mike Warner, and I have been married for 17 years. We have two children, Sophie,13, and Will, 10. We have lived in Malvern Borough for almost 11 years.

Does anyone in your family work in politics or government?: No.

Education: University of Pennsylvania, Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning, May 2019; Research Focus: Environmental Land Use Planning. Master of Environmental Studies, December 2007. Concentration: Resource Management.
West Chester University, Master of Arts, English, May 2002.
Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Art, Communications/Advertising, May 1995.

Occupation: Consultant

Previous or Current Elected or Appointed Office: I began serving on the Malvern Planning Commission in 2018, and I became Vice-Chair in 2020.
I serve on the Environmental Advisory Council. As part of my commitment to the EAC, I am currently enrolled in the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward program.
I also serve on the Comprehensive Plan Task Force as a representative of the EAC and am the Chair of the Future Land Use sub-committee designated to provide guidance regarding large parcels of undeveloped land in the Borough. I was a member of the Randolph Woods Master Plan Committee from 2019-20, as well.

Why are you seeking elective office?: This is an exciting time for the Borough. Through the comprehensive planning process and with the input of residents and business owners, we are envisioning the Borough’s future. I want to be a member of Borough Council to help fulfill our community vision by developing supporting policies and ordinances. This is a moment to build the bridge between where we are today and where we want to go tomorrow.

The single most pressing issue facing our borough is: The single most pressing issue facing Malvern Borough is accommodating new growth in a town that is mostly built-out. Most of the current development is infill, which can exacerbate existing challenges, such as stormwater management, and can overburden infrastructure.
I will champion smart growth policies that welcome new residents to the Borough without diminishing the quality of life for existing residents. This will require updating policies to ensure we maintain the capacity to meet the needs of a growing population. These policies should focus on efficient land use, maintaining open space, providing for a diversity of housing options, and stormwater management.

What are the critical differences between you and the other candidates seeking this position?:
I have experience in our local government as a member of several committees in the Borough. Having served across a range of committees, I am well-informed about the current issues in Malvern, both the opportunities and challenges. With my background knowledge, I will be able to contribute immediately without the need for a catch-up period. I also have good relationships with members of the current Borough Council and other committees, which will provide a foundation for collaboration and cooperation in achieving the Borough’s goals.

If you are a challenger, in what way has the current board or officeholder failed the borough: Malvern’s Borough Council has done a good job, and our town's appeal has grown as a destination and a desirable place to live at any life stage. I would like to see our Borough Council anticipate future challenges, such as increased stormwater issues or infrastructure needs. Taking a proactive stance, rather than reacting to issues as they arise, can be challenging, but the end results tend to be better for the community.

Describe the other issues that define your campaign platform: Like many other communities, our town has experienced economic fallout from the pandemic. Most of our businesses have survived, but they need our support. I will work with the business community to promote our local businesses and other Borough amenities to increase downtown traffic and make Malvern a destination for residents and other communities in the region.
As we welcome more business opportunities, I will also take concrete steps to make the Borough more sustainable in terms of stormwater management, energy use and generation, and circulation. Finally, we are fortunate to live in a beautiful 'country town.' I will continue to work on maintaining our open spaces and improving them for recreational opportunities and as a natural resource.

What accomplishments in your past would you cite as evidence you can handle this job?: As a member of several Borough committees and with a Ph.D. in City and Regional Planning, I am knowledgeable about using the tools of our local government to accomplish our goals.

The best advice ever shared with me was: Don't make assumptions. You will only know a situation fully by committing to listen and learn. And once informed, be patient and persistent. It takes time to improve a situation.

What else would you like voters to know about yourself and your positions?: I grew up in the Warren Village and moved to Malvern over 10 years ago; I love this town and all it has to offer. I want to help our town continue to flourish!

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