Fort Myers, FL - Mr. Troy L. Bunch, longtime Planning Director for the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, passed away peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.

Mr. Bunch earned his undergraduate degree in Landscape Architecture from Purdue University and completed his master's degree in Regional Resource Development and Urban Planning at the University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada.

Troy began his distinguished career in 1971 as an Associate Professor at West Virginia University in Morgantown, West Virginia (1971-1973). He went on to serve as Chief of Design and Special Studies for the City of St. Petersburg, Florida (1973-1978), where his innovative work helped guide urban development and community design.

From 1978 to 1980, he shared his expertise as an Associate Professor at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, before continuing his commitment to historic preservation as Historic Preservation Planner for the City of Miami Beach, Florida (1980-1981). He later became Director of Planning for Fort Myers, Florida (1981-1982) and Director of the Planning and Building Department in St. Augustine, Florida (1982-1992), where he was instrumental in managing growth while protecting the city's historic character.

Troy joined the City of Baton Rouge and Parish of East Baton Rouge, Louisiana, first as Assistant Planning Director (1993-1995) and then as Planning Director (1995-2013). In this role, he provided decades of leadership and vision, shaping the community's development and ensuring thoughtful planning for future generations.

Importantly, Troy was tasked to implement the Horizon Plan—Baton Rouge's comprehensive land use plan for development and growth, and the first of its kind in the State of Louisiana. His leadership and vision not only brought the Horizon Plan to life but also laid the foundation for responsible, sustainable growth that continues to shape the Baton Rouge community today.

During his 20+ years in Baton Rouge, Troy provided strategic leadership in shaping policies that balanced development with preservation, efficiency with accountability, and progress with community integrity. Among his many achievements, he was instrumental in creating and implementing the City-Parish GIS system, establishing the Zoning Advisory Committee, and guiding the development of ordinances designed to promote and balance growth while protecting neighborhood character.

Throughout his career, Troy worked extensively with City-Parish department heads, local agencies, and community organizations to ensure project goals were achieved and that the public remained informed and engaged. He regularly represented the Planning Commission before the Metropolitan Council, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Federation of Civic Associations, the Board of Realtors, the Growth Coalition, and many other civic groups.

Troy worked closely with multiple mayors throughout his tenure, most notably his friend Mayor Kip Holden, who recognized the vital importance of planning. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Mayor Holden entrusted Troy to lead the update and coordination of FUTUREBR, the City-Parish's new comprehensive plan and strategic implementation initiative. His leadership in this effort helped guide the region through a period of rapid change and recovery, ensuring thoughtful and resilient development.

Troy also oversaw the highly successful Brownfields Grant Program, which spurred significant redevelopment in blighted and underserved neighborhoods. His work reflected a lifelong commitment to improving the quality of life for all residents through innovation, collaboration, and public service.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Troy was deeply committed to giving back to the community he served. He was a valued member of the YMCA Board of Directors, a past president and leadership member of the Chamber of Commerce, and an active member of Broadmoor United Methodist Church. His faith, service, and leadership reflected his lifelong dedication to improving the lives of others.

Mr. Bunch had an incredible ability to bring people with very divergent views together to build a consensus and move important project within the City-Parish forward.

Mr. Bunch received numerous state and national awards for his work in planning and historic preservation from organizations such as the American Planning Association (APA) and the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA). During his tenure in Baton Rouge, he served as President of the Louisiana Chapter of ASLA, Chairman of the Louisiana Chapter of the APA Education Foundation, and Chairman of the Louisiana Planning Directors Council. One of his most notable achievements was being elected to the Fellowship of the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in 2004, in honor of his outstanding contributions to the profession—one of the highest distinctions in his field.

Troy dedicated more than five decades to the field of urban and landscape planning, serving communities across the United States with vision, leadership, and integrity. Throughout his career, he was admired for his dedication to public service, his commitment to excellence, and his enduring influence on the profession.

Troy Bunch's vision, leadership, and integrity left an indelible mark on every community he served. His dedication to planning, community service, and innovation will continue to influence generations to come. He will be greatly missed and forever remembered by his family, friends, colleagues, and co-workers.