Jim Youngson
Principal
Since 1988, Jim Youngson has been involved with some of the most important political and environmental issues facing California and the Central Coast. He has developed an impressive track record of working with elected officials, government agencies, the business sector and non-profit organizations on a myriad of issues of public concern. His expertise is in crafting innovative public affairs strategies that help clients navigate sensitive and controversial land use issues as they pertain to communities and the environment.

Youngson is cofounder and principal of Terrain Consulting, Inc., a land use and natural resources public relations firm located in Santa Barbara, California. Terrain was founded in 2003, when Youngson partner Brian Robinson had a vision of offering consulting services that focus on "win-win" outcomes that benefit both client and community, resulting in an improved quality of life. The diverse assemblage of clients includes business interests, government agencies and conservation organizations.

For three years prior, Youngson was vice president of public affairs for TynanGroup, Inc. - a real estate development services company - where he oversaw all public affairs activities. During his tenure, he led the charge in creating a spin off company - FrontTier - that developed a package of land use services that uniquely blended public affairs, land use planning and graphics into a comprehensive and interconnected toolbox for clients.

From 1997 to '99, Youngson served as assistant secretary for communications and policy development for the California Resources Agency, as an appointee of Governor Pete Wilson. He oversaw the communications programs of 17 departments, conservancies, boards and commissions, and was instrumental in the implementation of nationally recognized policies and projects that integrated economic and environmental objectives across California, including the Headwaters Forest Agreement, CALFED-the California Bay/Delta Accord and the "Preserving California's Landscapes" initiative.

Youngson possesses direct experience at all levels of politics - as district director for long-term U.S. Congressman Robert J. Lagomarsino, as a field representative to California State Senator Newton Russell, and as chief of staff for Santa Barbara County Supervisor Willy Chamberlin. Youngson has also worked for the U.S. Forest Service, where he directed public affairs and served on the management team for Los Padres National Forest. From all these capacities, he worked extensively on controversial land use issues that included large-scale development proposals, community general plan updates, the conservation of prime agriculture and the preservation of national parks and wildlife habitat.

Mr. Youngson resides in Santa Barbara, and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California at Santa Barbara. He is a current board member for the Coastal Housing Coalition, Old Spanish Days and Phi Sigma Kappa Fraternity, and past member of the Vista del Monte retirement residence and Los Padres Forest Association.