Izzy Patoka is a father, a community planner, basketball coach and public servant who has worked in business, civic life, and at the highest levels of government in our state. He has spent his entire career working to bring people together and make our community a better place to live, work, and raise a family. A community leader and tireless advocate, he has worked with elected officials, business leaders, clergy, and civic organizations on behalf of the priorities that matter to residents of Baltimore County, including public education, a stronger economy, affordable health care, efficient transportation, public safety and a healthier environment.
Certifications & Awards
Izzy is nationally certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP). He was recognized as a recipient of the National Association of Counties’ (NACO) Multicultural Diversity Award for extraordinary outreach to ethnic communities. This prestigious award was cosponsored by the Women Officials in NACO (WON), the National Association of Black County Officials (NABCO) and the National Association of Hispanic County Officials (NAHCO). Additionally, Izzy has been presented with the distinction of Fellow with the Academy for Excellence in Local Governance by the University of Maryland’s Institute for Governmental Service.
He is a proud graduate of Towson University where he received both his Bachelor of Science degree and Master of Arts degree in Geography & Environmental Planning.
As a county council member Izzy was elected to serve as Chair of the Baltimore County Council. He was also selected by his colleagues on the Baltimore County Council to represent the council on the legislative committee of the Maryland Association of Counties (MACo). Izzy led the County Council’s efforts to:
Baltimore County Council
Community Engagement
A planner by training (nationally certified by the AICP – American Institute of Certified Planners), Izzy believes that Baltimore County’s beauty, character and vitality are shaped by both our suburban and rural character — and the ways in which we are successful at carefully balancing our population centers with our important commercial centers. As a champion of using community engagement to drive improvements in quality of life issues, Izzy believes strongly that Baltimore County’s long established Urban Rural Demarcation Line should continue to be a strong guide for maintaining our County’s diverse land use character. At the same time, our focus should be on our Inner-Beltway communities and commercial areas.
Izzy not only stands up for the values we share, he has a track record of getting things done. That is why he has been appointed to serve on both local and state transition advisory committees. Izzy founded Baltimore’s Office of Neighborhoods. For eight years, he served Governor Martin O’Malley as his chief liaison to community leaders both in and out of government; a role for which Izzy earned the reputation as a bridge builder and problem solver; someone who was able to bring people together from all walks of life, even folks who did not always agree on everything. He continued this work at LifeBridge Health — where he served as the first Director of Community Development.
Izzy and his wife Denise (a talented architect) have a 23 year old son, Rory (who is a college student athlete at Concordia University in Montreal). They are members of the Baltimore Hebrew Congregation and live in Sudbrook Park.
