Before joining the DC Office of Planning as the Deputy Director of Planning and Data Visualization, Perris Straughter was a planning and development consultant based in New York City. Prior to working as a consultant, he was the Director of Planning & Land Use for the New York City Council, responsible for managing a staff of over 20 planners, attorneys and other staff in administering the City Council’s land use powers and conducting various planning efforts across the city. Perris led the Council’s negotiations on projects and initiatives including City of Yes, Western Rail Yards, and five neighborhood rezonings. During his tenure, Perris oversaw land use approvals for over 140,000 units of housing.

Previously, Perris was the Assistant Commissioner for Planning & Predevelopment for NYC’s Department of Housing Preservation and Development. In that role he oversaw seven teams and 30 staff charged with leading the planning, predevelopment, and resiliency work for affordable housing development on publicly owned land in all five boroughs, including issuing RFPs. Before coming to New York, he was Supervising Planner in the City of Newark, NJ, where he coordinated planning and zoning approvals processes for the city. He helped lead the comprehensive overhaul of Newark’s zoning code and master plan. During his tenure in Newark, he also led the Newark Public Art Program and various commercial revitalization initiatives. Perris also served as Chairperson of Newark's Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning (LGBTQ) Advisory Commission.

Perris has a Master’s in Public Affairs and Urban and Regional Planning from Princeton University. He is originally from Southern California.