His ability to craft land use regulation and explain the particulars of zoning have helped empower community voices and strike a balance between spirited entrepreneurs and under-resourced neighborhoods. Rory has authored/edited the majority of Detroit’s zoning text amendments since 1986.

Rory is also a musician who has studied organ/piano and voice.  He joined the baritone section of the DCC in 1996. In addition to serving on the board, Rory served on the 2019 Director Search Committee  and maintains the choir’s  performance and recording archives.  His affiliations include: American Planning Association; Michigan Association of Planning; Detroit Concert Choir; National Association of Pastoral Musicians.

Rory is the parent three children, all Broadway performers (music theater and drama); His wife, Helene Rottenberg, classical guitarist/musicologist also sings in the DCC. Rory is a long-distance runner and is fluent in Spanish and competent in French, Portuguese and Italian.