Planning and Community Development Department

James comes to us from the City of Pico Rivera Planning Department (Los Angeles, California), and his experience with planning and community development is extensive. James holds a Master of Planning in Urban Planning and Development from the University of Southern California (USC), as well as a Bachelor of Science Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. James is also a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

The City of Flowery Branch is very pleased to have Mr. Riker as the Planning and Community Development Manager. His responsibilities include review of rezoning applications, development plans, annexation applications, and much more. Mr. Riker serves as the chief advisor to the Mayor, City Council and City Manager on all of these matters. Mr. Riker is responsible for ensuring that Flowery Branch’s building codes, zoning codes, development codes, business licenses, and more are all followed exactly, and that Flowery Branch continues to grow in a demonstrably smart and pro-family/pro-commerce way.