Mike Green has been a Blanco Planning and Zoning (P&Z) Commissioner for around three years and even held the chair position at one point.

He has lived in central Texas for the past 38 years and spent the last 18 years in Blanco. Green began college at Southwest Texas State in San Marcos (now known as Texas State) and completed his undergraduate degree at Texas Pan American University in Edinburg. Green has held a lot of different jobs during his life including a farmer, public school teacher, non-profit supervisor, and sporting goods manager at Walmart. The commissioner is now retired and not afraid to use the word lazy to describe himself.

With his diverse background, Green is able to be insightful and empathetic. He learned the workings of each organization in order to succeed.

“One must attempt at being in tune with everyone to some degree. I try to do that,” he said.

Green considers his ability to keep quiet and listen to others as one of his greatest professional achievements.

He said, “It doesn’t sound like much, but it has allowed me to give others the opportunity to comfortably discuss their thoughts on issues without feeling that they must first defend them. I think it’s one of the best ways to facilitate a serious discussion in a group setting.”

The commissioner listens to all the sides before making an informed decision. Sometimes, Green doesn’t give himself enough credit for his achievements and is a real people pleaser.

Because of all the places Green has lived, the commissioner understood that Blanco needed a plan for the future growth. He wanted to help create a plan which is what brought him to P&Z.

Daily zoning and variance issues that do not require P&Z input are often not viewed by the commission. Green explained that if P&Z knew what was happening in the city, the commissioners might have better insight to reflect on the considerations before them.

“It is imperative that P&Z finds a middle ground that will allow the city to provide for itself, yet give its citizens a comfortable ‘home town’ feeling,” said Green.

He is passionate about helping the community. Outside of P&Z, Green enjoys working in his yard or visiting state parks. He also loves spending time with his grandchildren.