City of Redlands Honors Volunteer Planning Intern Benjamin Matlock

Redlands volunteer planning intern Benjamin Matlock was recognized at last week's council meeting for his enthusiasm, passion and service to the city.

Matlock began volunteering with the city in June 2011, immediately after he completed his undergraduate degree in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly San Louis Obispo, according to the the city's volunteer resources coordinator.

"Benjamin came to my office last year asking how he could intern for the City," Tabetha Wittenmyer said in prepared remarks on Tuesday May 1.

"His enthusiasm was contagious," Wittenmyer said. "He clearly has a passion for City Planning and is willing to do whatever it takes to get the career of his dreams in this field especially working countless hours as an unpaid intern."

Wittenmyer quoted city Associate Planner Christopher Boatman, who is Matlock's supervisor:

"I'm pleased to have the opportunity to express my thanks for the service that Ben Matlock has provided," Boatman said. "Ben is a volunteer that was recruited to assist me with administering the cities housing programs."

Since he began volunteering with the city, "Ben has proven immensely reliable and competent," Boatman said. "He has worked a full time schedule during the majority of his time with the city, although we now share his schedule with the City of Ontario Planning Department."

Matlock arrives to volunteer at 7:30 a.m., often works through lunch, and generally leaves at 5:30 p.m., Boatman said.

"In return for his service Ben has received a wide range of experience from managing development projects to creating a computer based inventory of the city's housing files," Boatman said. "Ben has presented development projects to both Planning Commission and Council and regularly interacts with residents at the One Stop Permit Center.

"His contribution has been invaluable in enabling Planning staff to adapt to recent staff reductions and increased workload," Boatman said. "He has done all this with a positive attitude and willingness to assume greater responsibility. He is certainly an asset to the city and a model volunteer. Ben has additionally committed to continue to devote his time and energy to the City of Redlands."

The City of Redlands Volunteer and Intern Resources Program promotes volunteer and internship opportunities for all city programs supporting progressive development in the community, Wittenmyer said.

For more information contact Wittenmyer at at (909) 798-7540.