EMU Planning Program Alumni News

Alumni News Updates Eastern Michigan University Urban and Regional Planning Programs

Link to Alumni of Note

Kathryn Youra a GIS/Planning Specialist

This email was received from recent graduate program alum Kathryn Youra:
I wanted to let you know that I just received an offer to become a GIS/Planning specialist for the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission down in Dayton, OH. If I decide to take it (still need to discuss particulars about moving/husband job issues), I will spend the majority of my time working on the "Going Places" initiative, which urges the local communities to adopt a land use planning modeling approach. It will also involve a series of workshops in the major localities within the region, doing a hybrid charrette/presentation technique and trying to sustain interest in the eventual model. In addition, they take their GIS department very seriously and use it for both mapping presentations, and using GIS for their modeling and analysis basis. If you're interested: http://mvrpc.org/rlu/
In short, this is pretty close to what I had initially hoped for, career-wise. I'm still unsure if I will be able to take the position but wanted to let you all know that Eastern's education was a good one, and it allowed me to land a job in the field I wanted. I had been told earlier that they were impressed with my education and class-work background, and I wanted to thank you for giving me a solid foundation to compete for this position. (kyoura@emich.edu)

Michael Zeek in Missouri

This email was received from graduate program alum Michael Zeek AICP:
After serving as a Planner with St. Louis County, Missouri for 5 years, I took a Planner position with the City of Maryland Heights, a county suburb. I (happily) passed the AICP exam in November and was awarded the St. Louis County Municipal League's Innovation Award for the City's new Interpretive Zoning Code. This version of the Code has a running sidebar that contains extra information, photos, and exhibits to help people better understand its provisions. Check it out sometime at www.marylandheights.com under Community Development. (mzeek@marylandheights.com)

Leonard Ivezaj, the developer

Leonard Ivezaj (BS 2003) dropped in Strong Hall recently to renew his contact with the Planning program. Since graduation he has been involved with development, and after two years established his own development firm of IV Property Management Group. To complement this entity, he also established a construction company, Grand Horizon Contracting, which is doing well even in the current economy. He discussed plans for developing new retirement communities in Chile and other countries in Latin America. It's truly been a remarkable personal growth for one of our recent undergrad students.

Leigh Oesterling meets Ray LaHood

Leigh in center with other staff, Ray LaHood on right
Since graduating from the undergrad Planning program in 1992, Leigh (Hennings) Oesterling has worked in various capacities in regional and transportation planning in Ohio. She is now with the Ohio Division of the Federal Highway Administration. Recently she met Ray Lahood, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, who made a visit to their office. As Leigh said in her latest email, "I always credit EMU faculty with providing me the educational foundation on which I have built my career in transportation planning and public administration." Thanks, Leigh.

Washtenaw Avenue Study Recent graduate Anya Dale (MS 2009) is now Project Manager and Planner for the Washtenaw Avenue Talent Center project. The project's goal is to redevelop Washtenaw Avenue with an array of housing types in which talent can live, with fixed transit service and sustainable economic growth. For more on this project, see their web site.

Lauren Carlson and a new generation Lauren (Horton) Carlson (undergrad program graduate; current grad student) is the proud mommy of Quentin. All went well with the stork's delivery. Lauren can be contacted at laurenisplanning@yahoo.com

Jason Hempel in real estate program Jason Hempel (BS '03) writes to tell us he was accepted into three graduate programs-- Columbia University; University of Illinois, Chicago; and Florida. He has decided to go to Florida to study real estate development. We wish him the best for a prosperous future. (His email is hempdiddy@gmail.com)

Scott (Bryan) Powers update I am no longer with Carlisle/Wortman, but have decided to transition into the real estate world and thus far couldn't be happier. I am now with the Charles Reinhart Company as a Sales Associate and I believe that my years of dealing with various communities and planning issues with be a wonderful asset in my new postition. (bscottyp33@hotmail.com)

Leigh (Hennings) Oesterling has new position

I wanted to let you know that I started a new position with the Federal Highway AdministrationOhio Division in November. My official title is “Air Quality Specialist,” meaning I handle the transportation air quality conformity issues for the entire state; currently we have three non-attainment area for ozone (Cleveland-Akron, Columbus-Newark, and Cincinnati) and numerous (10+) non-attainment areas for PM 2.5. I also am the program manager for the CMAQ (Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality) program. And I am a “planning specialist” in that I have planning and program oversight responsibilities for five MPOs (Cleveland, Akron, Youngstown, Stuebenville, and Wheeling-Bridgeport on the border of OH and WV). I have worked for local/regional, state and now federal agencies dealing with transportation planning during my 15+ year career. I’m hoping my experiences at the local/regional and state level will help me as I perform my duties at the federal level.
I have fond memories of my time spent in Strong Hall with the Planning program at EMU. The education I received there has prepared me well for a career in public service and planning. (leigh.oesterling@fhwa.dot.gov)

Patrick Carroll and Detroit revitalization

I wanted to get back in touch you and let you know what I’ve been up to. I have a few classes left to finish the grad program, but it’s been on hold for a while as I’ve gotten married, moved, and started a new job with Southwest Housing Solutions (I see you have a job posting from Southwest Counseling Solutions (our sister organization) on the planning website).
I’ve been able to put the planning program knowledge to good use here. Southwest utilizes a variety of funding to rehabilitate historic apartment and commercial buildings in southwest Detroit, mainly to provide affordable housing but also for commercial revitalization. We have also just started our first new-construction single-family home project in this neighborhood. It is “infill” development in the truest sense of the word: we are building a variety of housing on vacant parcels across a 6-block area in the densest part of the City, and dealing with all of the title issues, zoning problems, City inspections, and other things that go along with that. I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but the Rivertown exercise was invaluable in preparing me for the various negotiations with all kinds of stakeholders while this project has been developing over the past few months. There have been several times when I’ve said 'A-ha,' that’s what Norm was talking about. (pcarroll@swsol.org)

Adam Miller a transportation planner
in Phoenix

I wanted to email you an update since I have already been out here 6 months! I took a position as a community and transportation planner with a private consulting firm, AECOM in May. The office here in Phoenix had about 20 people that make up the planning department and so far I have worked on corridor studies and also been working with GIS mapping the entire state. In particular there is a corridor study currently underway for Interstate 10 which connects Phoenix to Tucson and this has been my main project I have worked on. I-10 it is a 2 lane divided highway that carries high volumes of traffic and the growth around this corridor is expected to grow very quickly by 2050. The plans we are working on are proposing that I-10 be expanded to 5 lanes in each direction by 2030! There is also a light rail system that is set to open right after Christmas here in Phoenix and stretches for 20 miles throughout the city and its suburbs! I will let you know how well it operates after I get a chance to ride the light rail around town. Otherwise the economy is taking a hit here just like everywhere else but we are alright since our contracts do not expire with our clients for another couple of years. Oh and I ran into a friend of yours, Lisa Ives she also works for AECOM and is in the Phoenix office every so often! (adam.miller@aecom/com)

Jill (Murray) Morgan has AICP

This note arrived recently from Jill Morgan
Things in Chicago are going well for me…I am still a planner for the Village of Winnetka, a northern ‘burb of Chicago. I do the reverse commute from the city via train, so my commute is pretty easy. We are finally seeing a little slow-down of development activity around here, but it took quite a while for the housing slump to hit here. Despite the slow-down in housing permit activity, though, we are keeping busy around here working on a re-write of the zoning ordinance, a streetscape plan, and PUD reviews. I passed the May AICP exam, as you will see in my nifty new email signature below. That is one more professional hurdle out of the way. Now I must find something else to focus on…
Hope all is well with you and yours,
Jill (Murray) Morgan AICP (jmorgan@winnetka.org)

Andre Stone to grad school?

I hope everyone is enjoying another positive year back at EMU. Things are still interesting out west, but with our economic depression my office's workload is a fraction of what it was a year ago. About three weeks ago, I received notice that I'll be laid off at the end of the year. I'm hoping this turn of events will lead to some new doors opening up, including grad school.

I've been planning for some time to give graduate school another try. I applied for five programs last year, but didn't make the cut for any of them. This year, I've spent the summer and fall preparing a better portfolio and application and will be applying for a Master of Architecture degree.

Also, my check is in the mail for one of those Planning program t-shirts. Maybe it will generate some interest in the program for those aspiring planners out here in the Northwest. I've always been quick to praise the URP program and what it's done for me. Size XL, please.

Jennifer (Black) Thum loves the U.P.

Well, it’s hard to believe that I have lived in the UP for three years now and I still love it, even during the LONG winters. My son Andrew is now 8 months, which is hard to believe and he is just thriving. Andrew is crawling and if you hold his hands he will actually walk with you! Being a mom, is by far the most wonderful job that I have ever had….I say that now and I am sure my tune will change when he is a teenager! In the pictures he is 7 months old, I don’t have any newer ones on my work computer…sorry!!!

I am still the Director of Planning and Community Development for Chocolay Township, which I still thoroughly enjoy. My job is a hodgepodge of responsibilities, I am in charge of writing grants, making zoning decisions, reviewing site plans and doing the annual budget! Currently, our township is experiencing some growth this past month we have two large potential developments up for preliminary approval. The first is a PUD that would consist of 83 single family lots and 20 townhomes located on a golf course. The second one is major commercial center that could include up to 10 individual mall type buildings. Both of these, I would like to see reduced in size due to the lot coverage. I am also working on getting an EDA grant to create an industrial park in our township, right now our Industrial facilities are scattered across our township and bit to close to residential neighborhoods. The hard part about planning in the UP, is trying to protect the environment, I am still working on trying to pass land development standard and a wetlands ordinance. The housing market is slowing down quite a bit up here, but not as bad as downstate. It’s still sunny out, and this weekend we actually went swimming in Lake Superior, you get used to after a while! Though by the end of the month we have to winterize our home, put the storm windows up, chop wood and get the snow blower ready! Ahh, I really do love the UP!! If anyone is ever interested in getting a job up here or even visiting the wonderful UP, please don’t hesitate to contact me at 906.249.14480 - 220 or planner@chocolay.org.

Michelle Aniol and upcoming wedding My husband and I are pleased to announce the engagement of our daughter Elizabeth-Ann to Walter Richter. They are planning an October 2010 wedding in Manhattan. Attached is a recent photo of the happy couple.

Aaron Stryker at ASTI Aaron Stryker (MS 2008) has joined ASTI Environmental, an environmental services firm in Brighton. Aaron is a GIS technician in the firm's Visual Services Group.

Kristen Monroe is Up North

I just wanted to send you all an update...
I have accepted a position with the City of Sault Ste. Marie as a Community Planner. My first day was October 27th. Things are going very well and I am excited to finally be in the same city as my fiancee...Yep that's right I also got engaged. Big news all the way around. I truly loved my job with Mead & Hunt and doing Airport Planning, however it was time to live and find a position closer to my fiancee, hence my quick move to the UP. I am slowly getting settled in and trying to adjust to the climate change. Oh ya it snowed for the first time yesterday, we even had enough snow that the neighbors rolled out 2 snowmen in their yards. Argue!
I will keep you all posted as to the new and exciting things we will be working on up here in the UP. Kristen Monroe (MS 2008) (monroekristen@yahoo.com)

Jason Hempel to study Real Estate

Jason Hempel (BS Planning) has been working for three years at the Port St. Lucie, Florida, Planning and Zoning Department. He has been lead planner on a number of significant projects, including a $376 million dollar New Urban infill project, a $90 million bio-tech expansion, and other significant work. He recently has been focusing on real estate investment, and is applying for graduate studies at a number of nationally recognized programs. Good luck, Jason, on your applications.

Keith Leonard moving on

Hi Norm: I will be cutting my hours down to part-time and eventually leaving Mesa County to take care of our 8 month old baby daughter. My wife is a clinical pharmacist and makes boat loads more money than I so she is going to take on the full time job. I will work for the county to at least finish up my projects and probably until they find someone to fill my position. It's been almost a year long search to finally get another senior planner and now I am leaving so if you know of anyone with at least 3 years experience then send them my way. I may end up starting my own consulting firm out here, there is a need for actual planners in the field. I deal with submittals from people with backgrounds in such fields as paralegal type work that don't even know the difference between zoning and future land use. There is also a great deal of oil and gas (mostly gas) permitting that is going on too. My home email address is fantfootball02@yahoo.com

Keith Leonard, Senior Planner, Mesa County, Colorado, 750 Main Street, Grand Junction, Colorado 81502

Oregon attracts John Lazur

This note came from John Lazur, a graduate from the undergrad program...

Just wanted to let you know (so you can update your alum list) that I got a job with Douglas County, Oregon. I have been here a week and a half and I am already amazed at how much I've learned working for a County versus a small city. I went from working for an office with 1 part-time planner to an office with 15 planners! I can already tell I am in good company and will be exposed to countless opportunities to expand on my planning expertise. My primary responsibilities include handling ministerial land use decisions and administering planning clearance. Feel free to pass my info along to anyone looking to relocate to Southern Oregon! John K Lazur, Planner I, 541.440.4289, jklazur@co.douglas.or.us

Ingrid Ault in new position

Following an interim position as director for Ypsilanti and Depot Town Downtown Development Authorities, Ingrid Ault became the executive director of Think Local First in June. The not-for-profit organization works to support locally-owned, independent companies. "I've always been a supporter of Think Local First," Ault said. "I've always been a supporter of local businesses and helping people understand why it's important to make the connection of supporting a local business instead of a big business." Ault, who works part time, is the sole employee and hopes to have a full-time position by the end of the year. The Think Local First Board of Directors has nine members. The organization, completely funded by memberships, has 148 members - a number Ault has seen grow over the years. She would like to see it increase by 40 this year. Ault also hopes to create a local food directory, as well as form more activities for members to interact and share ideas. She has also served as vice president and chairman of the fundraising committee for Motor Meals, and been secretary for Independence Condominiums, and a member at large for the Huron River Watershed Council.

Andrew Armbruster at Tongji University

I'd like to give you some updates, as well as share some good news. First of all, I'm happy to let you know that I have received a full scholarship to the Tongji University Urban Planning Program. I want to thank you for supplying your letter of recommendation and helping to make this possible. It is a special scholarship, as only 30 students in the university were awarded it. I will try to be an outstanding student and sustain a strong reputation for our EMU program here in Shanghai. I'm looking forward to discussing with you many things related to planning, EMU, China, etc. (andrew@iwisdom.org)

Jacqueline Rais in Portland

This note came from Jacqueline, who graduated last year from the undergrad program...

A week and a half ago I packed up all my worthy possessions into my car and headed west for a job interview. Everyone said I was crazy to up and leave without the security of a job waiting for me but it paid off; I am now an employee of the Portland Planning Commission! It is only part time, but I will be working 35+ hours a week here. I believe it is their way of avoiding giving me benefits, which is fine by me for right now as I'm just grateful for the experience. It's so beautiful out here, I live downtown and ride the streetcar to work. I have a little 1 room studio in the NW 23rd district which is like a large Ann Arbor, but with more outdoorsy types. (jacqueline.rais@ci.portland.or.us)

Update from Rodney Nanney

My work continues to go well, despite the bleak economy. I've partnered with Don Pennington to provide planning consultant services in a number of Washtenaw County communities for the past 2+ years, and it has proved to be a very successful relationship. With little development activity, there has been time to focus on long-range planning and ordinance updates. We've been fortunate to be able to keep busy with some substantial projects designed to help these communities be ready for when the economy turns around.

On a personal note, parts of my house are still waiting for me to get back to patching and painting, trimming out, and re-flooring. My wife is still waiting for her new kitchen (indefinitely delayed), and the economic uncertainties have delayed the completion of our 15 year home renovation plan by at least two years! (we're in year 7) (nammeroo@yahoo.com)

Jacob and the movies Jacob Kaufman was excited to serve on the crew of a new Hollywood movie being filmed in downtown Ann Arbor. Michigan is making an attempt to attract the movie industry to the state, and it was interesting for him to participate firsthand in shooting a crash scene for the movie, "Youth in Revolt." (jkaufma1@emich.edu)

Justin Snyder in Georgia

I just wanted to let you know that I got married on June 22, 2008 in Columbia, SC to Danielle Snyder. I am still Planner II for Columbia County Planning and Development in Evans, GA. We are really seeing the effects of the housing market slump reflected in our plan proposals. Commercial for some reason is still being developed, which is leading to a serious problem with empty storefronts. I think people are still in denial about the current real estate market, and it is leading to a lot of speculative zoning and development, which is maddening to us city planners. Anyway, take care and keep in touch. Justin Snyder, Planner II, Columbia County Planning and Development, 630 Ronald Reagan Drive, Evans, GA 30809, (jsnyder@columbiacountyga.gov)

Harker Heights welcomes Ken Bouchard

I thought I would take a few minutes to say hello. Although I live in Texas, I still keep a close eye on things in Michigan. I accepted a position here in February of this year and I couldn’t have picked a better city. Harker Heights is approximately 50 miles north of Austin and is surrounded by beautiful lakes, rolling hills and very hospitable people. Most folks here are from somewhere else, many from Michigan and the Midwest. I am kept busy with both planning and GIS work and my responsibilities are all encompassing. Whether it’s writing an ordinance, reviewing site plans, participating in public meetings or mapping crime, I’m directly involved in some way.

If there is one thing that stands out down here, it is the economy. I often see help wanted signs and I understand there are surrounding communities who are looking for planners and GIS professionals. I would highly recommend Texas to anyone who is looking to secure a good position in a fantastic part of the country. Housing prices are among the best in the nation and have remained fairly stable. Even with the economic challenges that are facing the country, this area is still seeing significant growth, especially in the commercial sector. I do get out from time to time and enjoy the fresh air and wildlife. My wife got bit by some fire ants (she’s still staying) and we have both seen plenty of bats, deer, snakes, armadillo’s, spiders (big spiders I might add) and a few other insects and animals of interest. Heck, I even had some ice on my windows in Feb and March. However, I don’t anticipate on buying a snow thrower anytime soon.

Please tell everyone I said hello and don’t hesitate to provide my phone number to anyone interested in moving down to here. Alum David Schleg in Dallas was a big help to me when I was researching Texas and I hope I can provide the same to anyone else looking to relocate here. Take care. (kbouchard@ci.harker-heights.tx.us)

David meets Andrew in Shanghai

This note came from David Schleg, who recently visited alumnus Andrew Armbruster.

I was able to meet Andrew Armbruster and his girlfriend Xiu Xiu for a very nice Saturday night meal. I was at my limits regarding native Chinese food (as was my stomach), so Andrew, Xiu Xiu and my friends Dr. and Mrs. Aquino let me treat them to Italian at a nice restaurant which overlooked the Bund.

Andrew is doing very well from all we discussed and I was very impressed by his insight and drive concerning living and working in Shanghai. Although I only e-mailed him a few times before my trip and only met him for our dinner, I think it was a reflection of our EMU program (staff, students and alumni) that we got along very well from the beginning of the evening until we departed later that night. There is a great fellowship and common bond when you meet a fellow EMU Planning person that I think is truly special. (david.schleg@dallascityhall.com)

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GISP Certifications for Tony and Nate

Tony Bedogne and Nate Arnold have received their GISP (GIS Professional) certification. This certification is awarded to the top GIS professionals across the country who can demonstrate they meet a set of stringent requirements based on educational attainment, experience, professional ethics, and contributions to the field of GIS. GISPs are required to be recertified every 5 years and must uphold a higher level of professional standards and ethics. There are less than 2000 GISPs across the US and we have 4 of them right here in Washtenaw County! In addition to applying for GISP certification, Nate and Tony completed the requirements for their Master Degrees in GIS from Eastern Michigan University this past semester.

Jonathan Ringel in Indiana

All is well in Northeast, Indiana. I am closing in on 18 months as Planning Director for Steuben County. I have spent the majority of the time bringing the county up to 21st century regarding planning and zoning. My staff and I have successfully restored public faith in our office after a string of scandelous planning directors. We are nearing completion of a new zoning/subdivision control ordinance with LSL Planning Inc. We have spent a large amount of time working to increase environmental protection standards and design guidelines to boost the image of the community. In addition, we have streamlined the permitting process, initiated a countywide deparment head meetings, embarked on a county park improvement project, and worked to present a more visible and open door policy to the public. Code enforcement is another huge issue and we have worked extensively to rid the county of abandoned motor vehicles and environmental nuissances. We are coordinating with local townships to implement a countywide community pride and trash cleanup day this fall. this has been such an interesting experience, I am thinking of writing a book about my experiences here when I move on to my next job. Every day is another adventure and challenge!
Jonathan Ringel, Stueben County Plan Director

Lisa (Dunfee) Householder a Transportation Planner Lisa Householder (MS in Planning, 2007) is now a transportation planner with the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG). Previously, she has worked with the Wood County Auditor's Office and with Ducks Unlimited. TMACOG will benefit from her experience with various GIS packages, database analysis and SQL software.

Nathan Voght becomes DDA director

Nathan Voght is well known to those actively involved in downtown Howell. That's one of the reasons he was chosen from a pool of 40 candidates as the new director of the Howell downtown Development Authority. He will assume his new position at the end of February.

The 35-year old downtown business and property owner, former DDA design committee chairman and city resident is passionate about the revitalization of downtown Howell. Couple that commitment to the city with his background and knowledge of urban planning, and you have a "great fit," according to Charlotte Swann, DDA president. "Nathan is wonderful, and he is very well liked by the members of the DDA and by the downtown merchants," said Swann. She said that the fact that Voght and his wife, Lorna Brennan, own the Uptown Coffeehouse in the heart of downtown Howell at the corner of Michigan and Grand River avenues will only add to the excitement he brings to the job. Howell City Manager Shea Charles agrees. "(His coffeehouse) gives him a unique perspective to see things from both sides of the table."

Voght, who will earn $55,000-$61,000, calls the local DDA director's position his "dream job." He is already identifying top priorities including the promotion of the city attributes to businesses looking for places to move. "My biggest challenge in this economy is to continue to put Howell out there as the place to be. We need to show people we're a great place to live and a great place to do business," he said. The position will be fully funded by the DDA, and was created following the departure of Amy Connolly, who acted as Howell's community development director and DDA director; that position was split and funded equally between the DDA and city of Howell. Voght will leave his municipal planning job with the city of Ypsilanti to accept this new position.

Paula Hepp moves to Nashville

I have made a big move! I have relocated for Atwell-Hicks and am now living in Nashville, TN. Still helping developers through the planning and entitlement process. I was wondering if we have any EMU alumni in the area that I may be able to network with?

Tracy Mullins now AICP

Tracy Mullins has recently earned the AICP designation from the American Planning Association. Tracy is the Director of Planning and Design at MJA Consulting, a regional planning and urban design company in Lakeland, Florida that specializes in conservation development and green design. Tracy has been working with the Seminole Tribe of Florida on green conservation design to help save endangered flora and fauna in Florida’s Green Swamp Area of Critical Concern. Tracy plans to release a book on Traditional Indigenous Planning in the Fall of 2008.

Lee Shirey and Target Alpena

I have been working as the Chief Economic Development Officer for Target Alpena Economic Development Corporation. I have held my position for just under a year. Its been an interesting transition from the small geographic focus of downtown Sault Ste. Marie to a County-wide regional economic development organization. I just completed an economic strategic plan for Alpena County and I administer a multi-county revolving loan program. I have also been working on some entrepreneurial initiatives, rural agricultural programs, business retention training and of course recruiting!
Lee Shirey, Executive Director
Target Alpena Development Corporation

Chris Gruba at Bloomfield Twp.

I thoroughly enjoy working for Bloomfield Township as the Assistant Planner. We continue to stay busy, even into the winter. Despite the economic woes of the state, business has actually picked up here. We have had a tide of new commercial developments, including a very fashionable 2-story Target store, an L.A. Fitness, and the national headquarters for Smart Car. Residential development has nearly stopped, like everywhere else. I am sure to have my hands full this summer when the Dream Cruise and the 2008 PGA occur almost simultaneously. I'd like to get the word out that the PGA will be here in Bloomfield Township, and not Bloomfield Hills, which usually gets the credit in the newspapers. If I can get out of work, I would like to make it to the next APA or MAP conference or party at your house. I can honestly say that my time at EMU (and the Planning Program) has paid off.

Nick Guthrie update

For the past 6 months, I have been working as the Project Engineer for Colasanti Specialty Services on the FontaineBleau Casino and Resort in Las Vegas, Nevada. Colasanti oversees the placement of all concrete for the entire site. The casino is slatted to open in January 2009. It is located right next to the Riviera on The Strip. It is defiantly an experience working in Las Vegas, but if you like the heat this city is defiantly for you! I still remain interested in preservation and GIS issues throughout the country and I hope to start my Master's Degree soon. It is hard working in a city where the average life for a building is only 10 years! This past spring, I helped Mansion View, a Mansion in Toledo's Old West End, design and install a historically accurate landscape plan for their gardens. That was a lot of fun. There was so much history involved with that house, I had a blast!

Scott Barb and family

Things have been going well for our family and I wanted to share a bit of that news with everyone. We have twin boys (Tanner and Logan) who are 3 and 1/2 now. This past November 5th, my wife gave birth to our SECOND set of twins! Mallory and Preston were born happy and healthy and are very cooperative, given that mom and dad are still trying to catch their breath from chasing the first set of twins around.

I continue to work for Livingston County, Michigan as a Principal County Planner. The Department there has high regards for the EMU planning program. I do believe, however, my next stint as a planner may take a turn towards the private sector where the most up to date and innovative planning trends are usually utilized and implemented.

Ron Mercer in Afghanistan

Right now I am deployed at Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan from November 5th to Jan 15th. Our mission here is Flying support for the Army. Attached are a few pictures of me next to the A-10C aircraft. Can't really say much more until I get home.
My mailing address is:
Ron Mercer
455 EAMXS/AMXS/A10
APO AE 09354

Oregon attracts Joel Klug

Well, I've accepted a planning position in Baker City, eastern Oregon's "metropolis"! Baker City (Pop. 10,000) is a vibrant historic town located 2 hours west of Boise, Idaho and 5 hours east of Portland, between the Elkhorn and Eagle Mountain ranges. Many pioneers settled here after a long and hard journey on the Oregon Trail. Some of the county's earliest settlers were fortunate enough to strike it rich in the gold mining industry in the late 1800s. Today, the people of Baker County are very proud of their rich history and have established the Oregon Trail Intereprative Center to honor the pioneering spirit of their forefathers.

I'm having a great time out here working on some really interesting projects. I'm really looking forward to working on updating the County's Comprehensive Plan within the next year. A few locals here think that Baker County is the next place in the west to face rapid population growth. That may or may not be the case, but I'm looking forward to being a part of the planning process to ensure that whatever happens out here, Baker County will be ready!

Lots of news from Julie Lowe

I had been meaning to write you to let you know about my new job as a Stormwater Planner here in Olympia, Washington. The email of the PLACE website reminded me! I hope all is well in Michigan and it isn't too cold! I am enjoying the more mild Washington winter at this time. My husband and I moved out here to Olympia in June 2007, and became employed within 3 weeks. I work for the Washington State Department of Ecology as a Stormwater Planner. I work in the Water Quality, Program Development Services Division and am loving my job. I am a permit writer for the Washington State Phase I Stormwater Permit that was issued in February 2007. I help administer and implement Phase I permittees with permit requirements. I work with a variety of groups, help with training and presentations, review ordinances, assist in creating guidance documents, and provide technical assistance with the bigger cities and counties (City of Seattle, City of Tacoma, Pierce County, Clark County, King County, Snohomish County and the Ports of Seattle and Tacoma). My planning duties come into play because some of our permit requirements require permittees to adopt new ordinances to improve stormwater quality and build low impact development stormwater best management practices. In particular, I work with helping them monitor these types of facilities. I recently visited Seattle's High Point development which I had read about previously in planning articles. A few of their BMPs are being monitored in our permits and they are using this development to encourage other LID building throughout the city. Another area in Seattle that is pretty well known is SEA Street, which is a sequence of swales and rain gardens that have been implemented in a subdivision. The site alone captures over 90% of the stormwater. They have a really cool website on it that students may be interested in viewing.

Anyway, I would like to pass the message to any recent grads looking for a job to send me an email if interested in working for the State. I can put in a good word! I have found this job has been great and pays really well too. My Planning background and previous monitoring experience has prepared me well for this position. I am grateful that I had such a wonderful educational experience at Eastern and work experience working as an environmental consultant that has brought me to where I am today. The hot jobs right now out here are stormwater engineers if you know of any, but this agency is especially open to students with planning backgrounds. The agency also hires Interns and most of the time you can get a job out of it.

Julie Lowe, Municipal Stormwater Planner
Water Quality Program, Department of Ecology, PO Box 47600
Olympia, WA 98504-7600, 360-407-6470 jlow461@ecy.wa.gov

Robyn Bennett at White House

We're living in the Washington, D.C. area. I'm a stay-at-home Mom to my daughter, Lola, 2-1/2 years old. My husband (Major USMC) is stationed at the White House and we've been here for 2-1/2 years, so next spring we will probably be on our way out. It's been a great experience; we've enjoyed every minute of it. I've attached a picture of us at the White House South Lawn this fall.

Josh Goldstein likes Pittsburgh

After I graduated from EMU in 2002, I went to work for Thompson Associates in Ann Arbor, doing site location research for retailers. In May of 2005 an opportunity in Virginia opened up and I went to work for Dollar Tree Stores as a real estate analyst at first helping them develop and implement a sales forecasting and customer modeling application, and then later, as a real estate manager. I realized that I enjoyed working with the real estate more than I liked analyzing it, and after realizing that no matter how hard I tried, I couldn’t adapt to life in the south (everyone’s first Jewish friend, churches everywhere, no winter, too slow a pace of life), I took a job working for a friends company in Pittsburgh. I have been up here for about 3 months, and I must say I am pleasantly impressed by Pittsburgh, it’s a great city that flies under most people’s radars, but has a lot to offer. Our company owns and develops shopping centers and other retail properties throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. I am responsible for the leasing of about 10 shopping centers in Western PA and West VA. It’s a fun job, and a little different than being on the retailer side of things. My goal eventually is to get into more development work (that’s where all the glory is). Interestingly, many real estate developers are employing people with planning backgrounds (although I would say more engineers than planners), to help with entitlements and permitting/zoning/planning challenges, so it’s nice to be able to use some of what I learned in school!

Chris Baldwin in sunny San Diego

I am still with The Omega Group, Inc., going on 5+ years. We are based in San Diego, CA and we have a satellite office in Philadelphia, PA. We specialize in integrated GIS solutions for Law Enforcement, Public Safety, and School Districts. We build our applications using ESRI technology. I should add that we do hire from time to time, and we are currently looking for a Support Technician and a GIS Software Developer. http://www.theomegagroup.com/company_employment.html. We are also constantly updating our website. So check us out from time to time...

I am living in Carlsbad, right up Highway 5 from San Diego, own a house and doing well. We are finally getting rain in Southern California, after a long drought. The mountains are packed with snow and it feels like winter around here at nighttime as the lows get into the mid 40s. Yes the daytimes are still in the 60's, that does not change much... The fires of October are a distant memory for me. For many others, there are constant reminders all around them. Charred hillsides and burned out buildings are easy to spot from the I15 in North County San Diego. The rain we have received is welcome, and it reminds me that next year there will be plenty of dry grass in the hills, offering itself as fuel for next's fire season...

Chris Baldwin, Western Division Sales Manager
The Omega Group
San Diego, CA
(858)450-2590, chris@theomegagroup.com

John Lazur in Pacific Northwest

Greetings from beautiful Oregon! The last few months I have been serving as the deputy planner for Myrtle Creek, OR, a small town of 3,600 in southwestern Oregon. Much of my job entails writing a comprehensive economic development plan, Grant writing, granting planning clearance for new developments, and producing/updating GIS maps. Relocating to the Pacific Northwest was a huge step for me and I haven’t regretted it since. Oregon is one of the most beautiful states in the nation and is renowned for its premier planners so I am learning from the best! One of the most exciting things about Oregon is that its citizens have a deep respect for the environment because it plays such a big role in the economy. I am eager to see what my first year of professional planning brings me and I will be sure to update you as things develop. Also, if you come across anyone that is interested in relocating to the Pacific Northwest, feel free to have them contact me.
John K Lazur, Deputy Planner
City of Myrtle Creek, Oregon, 207 NW Pleasant St., PO Box 940
Myrtle Creek, Oregon 97457
541-863-3171, jlazur@ci.myrtle-creek.or.us

Anne Vaara with Watershed Council I have taken a job as the Executive Director with the Clinton River Watershed Council. My office is in Rochester. I am staying active with the Michigan Association of Planning and will remain on the government relations committee. I also am very diligently working on my final paper.

A new politician

Recent Planning graduate Josh Eikenberry has announced he intends to run for the Michigan House of Representatives from Monroe County. As he says on his web site, "It's become increasingly apparent that the current political system is a bit... broken. With only two choices to choose from on a ballot, the political spectrum continues to get skewed towards keeping the status quo. This conservative mindset and narrow choices limit the amount of political freedom we have in this country come voting time." You can contact Josh at josheikenberry@gmail.com.

Justin Snyder is engaged

I just thought I would send a note that I am engaged to be married. Our wedding date is set for June 22, 2008, so we are both very excited to be sharing the rest of our lives with one another. My job is also going well. I am a Planner II for Columbia County in Evans, Georgia, where I am responsible for all aspects of current planning, including zoning, variances, subdivisions, housing, transportation, and providing support to the Planning Commission. I am looking forward to taking the AICP certification exam in the fall of 2008.
It sounds like the Urban and Regional Planning and GIS departments are flourishing, which is very exciting. We are beginning our search for a senior planner, so if anyone with 5-10 years of planning experience is interested, the pay is very good, and the work environment is laid back and fun. Check out our website at http://www.columbiacountyga.gov. It is a very good website.

Justin Snyder, Planner II
Columbia County Planning and Development
630 Ronald Reagan Drive
Evans, GA 30809

Eric Feldt from Juneau

Eric Feldt recently wrote from Juneau, Alaska, where he has his first job as a planner. Here is some of what he said:

The winter weather has dulled the coloration and severed the sensitive foliage upon the landscape in soggy Juneau. Many hours writing staff reports for use permits and variance permits has softly dimmed my perception of Municipal planning. Designing, creativity, cutting-edge thinking, etc. is not part of regulating development. My ability to guide thy neighbor through the building permit process has been sharpened and is always appreciated. Due to Juneau's unique ability to build on mountains, big housing or commercial developments are very rare. Sorry, no lifestyle malls up here, especially with the daily rains and wintry blusters. Most of the staff reports usually spread 4-6 pages in length. And lately the permits have been minuscule and passed with ease.

Jill (Murray) Morgan writes:

My husband John and I bought our first home in April of this year. We are in the Chicago neighborhood of Old Irving Park on the Northwest side of the city. We also have a new puppy named Simon. While John is a White Sox fan and was happy to see the Cubs lose in the playoffs, he is not happy with the way his Bears football team is playing this ;-)
In May, I graduated from the Master of Urban Planning and Policy (MUPP) program at the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Jill with new husband John Morgan

New babies...

Michelle Cousineau Reardon (BS 2003) and Jim Reardon (MS 2004) have shared this photo of their new twins, known as "Crunch" and Munch," at MSU's Spartan stadium. (We wonder if they were taking them to the game?)

Graduate Planning student Andrea Bibby and husband Jay had a baby boy, Owen Robert, on September 13th. (It looks like Andrea is very proud.)

Kristine (Inman) Goddard writes from Alabama: Brad and I welcomed a baby girl into the world October 23. She is growing so fast.
I am still with Shelby County in Alabama and loving my job while still not fully adjusted to the south even after 5 years down here.

Megan Etue

Megan Etue (MS 2004) wrote to tell about one of her recent adventures overseas:
In April 2007 I was able to participate in a trade mission to Europe representing the City of Taylor, visiting Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport and attending the International Airport Cities Conference in Frankfurt, Germany with local business and government leaders. "Aerotropolis," or airport city, is a cluster of development that links people, freight, transportation, business and entertainment. This concept can transform the regional economy and turn Metro Detroit into a global logistics hub. The Aerotropolis concept is one of six key strategies in the Road to Renaissance (R2R) initiative. Being part of this trip and project has certainly been a highlight in my professional career. (Megan shown with colleague Bryce Kelley.)

David Schleg now Chief Planner for Dallas

An email recently sent by David Schleg, who began his career in planning in the small Michigan town of Scottville:
I’ve just been promoted to Chief Planner with the City of Dallas. The promotion will expand my responsibilities to include more project oversight and supervising staff. It’s been a great 4 years here in Dallas so far and I’m pleased to have been part of a team which passed the first City Council-supported Comprehensive Plan. In my new role as Chief Planner, I will work directly with our Assistant Director of Long Range Planning to implement the various projects identified in the forwardDallas! Comprehensive Plan. The plan and our implementation effort is available on-line at www.forwarddallas.org.

I'll have staff under me and more autonomy concerning projects. I think it'll be a great fit for my skills and interests. It also gives me some comfort that I'll be staying in Dallas for some time to come. I didn't really want to look elsewhere for work in the near future; been there, done that!

Letter from David Harris

Hi Norm,
How are things at EMU. I look at the planning website as often as time allows. Just wanted to give you an update.
I got married in September 2005. I am currently working for the Department of Defense- Defense Intelligence Agency as a Intelligence Analyst. I just started in May 2007, I am in training right now and looking forward to my new job. I will be using GIS and Urban Planning together. The DoD has a variety of opportunities. I would suggest students look at this website. http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ and apply early because it can take some time getting a clearance.

David W. Harris II
Intelligence Analyst
MIO-2 (Transportation & Logistics)
Levant, Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula
Mobility and Sustainability Division
Defense Intelligence Agency
Washington, DC
202-231-3656 (Work unclassified)

Julia McCleeary in Texas Graduate Planning student Julia McCleeary has already obtained a job as a planner with the transportation department in Fort Worth, Texas. Good luck down south, Julia.

Contact For information on the Urban and Regional Planning programs, contact Norm Tyler at ntyler@emich.edu or 734.487.8656. For the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) programs, contact Hugh Semple at hsemple@emich.edu.