Resume
Urban Planning
June 2023- Present
Long Range Planner - City of Kansas City, Missouri
Implement the KC Spirit Playbook comprehensive plan. Review developments in first-ring neighborhoods for compliance with the Playbook, area plans, and other guidelines. Work with Public Works and regional partners on mobility issues including Complete Streets, Vision Zero, and rapid transit projects. Research and analysis plan implementation best practices including zoning reform. Assess and report on development patterns. Draft memos, amendments, and communication material. Participate in community engagement.
Aug. 2022- May 2023
Planning Intern - Ann Arbor Downtown Development Authority
Collect and prepare data as well as write copy for public reports including the State of Downtown and a COVID-19 recovery analysis. Conduct policy reviews of other downtown development authorities. Analyze articles about downtown density and sustainability for local relevance. Perform pedestrian counts, participate in meetings, and do related work as needed.
May 2022-
Jan. 2023
Research Assistant - Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning
Analyzed and scored comprehensive plans in Michigan Great Lakes communities for coastal erosion mitigation tools. Reviewed news archives for coverage of community issues related to Great Lakes water levels.
May 2022-
Aug. 2022
Research Fellow - Graham Sustainability Institute
As a Catalyst Leadership Fellow, researched and wrote content for Traverse City Light & Power designed to engage residents about electrification. Developed an operating cost model for cold climate heat pumps. Designed a sustainability fair to promote green living in Traverse City.
Journalism
Oct. 2018- Aug. 2021
City Hall Reporter - The Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Provided a watchdog eye for readers in Fort Worth and North Texas, centered on local government in the nation’s 12th largest city. Doubled readership with a focus on suburban sprawl, neighborhood revitalization, economic development, police accountability, and local politics. Used reader data to select stories of local interest. Planned in-person listening sessions with community members and frequently engaged readers through social media.
Led colleagues in organizing under the NewsGuild. Worked directly with company representatives as a central member of the union’s contract negotiation committee. Sought a balance between union and company proposals.
Jan. 2018-
Sept. 2018
Reporter, Editor - The Topeka Captial-Journal
Balanced local, state, and federal court coverage with duties as an online and print editor. As the Sunday and Monday editor worked closely with a design hub and supervised at least one reporter. Decided on coverage and story priority while maintaining the website and social media. Helped train reporters on video apps and related programs. Competitively tracked criminal proceedings and worked to expand coverage as a court reporter. Shot photos and videos regularly.
May 2015- Jan. 2018
Reporter, Editor - The Topeka Captial-Journal
Monitored local governments in Topeka, Shawnee County, and the surrounding area through investigative and explanatory reporting as well as open records requests. Wrote enterprise stories focused on government watch, poverty, and human interest. Juggled many roles during restructuring including covering business, environment, courts, and healthcare across Northeast Kansas.
Sept. 2014-April 2015
Reporter - The Scranton Times-Tribune
Tracked all manner of breaking news in Scranton and across Northeastern Pennsylvania. Covered municipal governments and general assignments with a focus on crime, poverty, and community issues. Led efforts to engage readers through social media and pushed for a digital-first approach.
Education
2021-2023
University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning | Master of Urban and Regional Planning
Focus on health cities and environmental planning.
2012 - 2015
University of Kansas William Allen White School of Journalism | Bachelor of Science in Journalism
Minor in English with a concentration in Anthropolgy.
Skills
& Expertise
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Writing
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Interviewing
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Research
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Data collection
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Data management
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Copy editing
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Google Workspace
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Microsoft 365
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ArcGIS (basic)
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Photography/Videography
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Photoshop
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Indesign (basic)
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Twitter
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Instagram
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Facebook