Ash Richards Email & Phone Number

Global

Greater Philadelphia Area

Directing the development and implementation of Philadelphia's first Citywide Urban Agriculture Plan and overseeing the diverse Farm Philly program areas. Working closely with various City departments and external partners, serving as a strategic thought partner to implement a comprehensive urban agriculture strategy and projects. Building out citywide resources and programs through the Farm Philly Program as well as new initiatives.

Philadelphia

The Urban Agriculture Subcommittee guides the City of Philadelphia to develop and implement innovative laws and policies to support the conversion of Philadelphia’s vacant and underutilized lands into sustainable community assets that increase food security and sovereignty for all Philadelphia residents. The subcommittee engages diverse stakeholders to inform recommendations and make current policies more transparent.

Greater Philadelphia Area

City Planner at the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, specifically working in north Philadelphia as the North District Community Planner. Managed the District Planning processes and plan development of the North District and River Wards District Plans, as part of the City's Comprehensive Plan. https://www.phila2035.org

Greater Philadelphia Area

Office of Watersheds Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI) Unit

Greater Philadelphia Area

Greater New York City Area

In 2007, joined More Gardens! in south Bronx, NY as an intern to work in the fields of sustainability and food justice. In 2008 was hired as a community organizer to facilitate and collaborate with local growers to develop a 3 acre urban farm cooperative, La Finca del Sur, led by Black and Latina residents.Some duties included: Acted as a liaison between government agencies and local stakeholders to develop a neighborhood farm; Coordinated with state and city departments to establish land… Show more In 2007, joined More Gardens! in south Bronx, NY as an intern to work in the fields of sustainability and food justice. In 2008 was hired as a community organizer to facilitate and collaborate with local growers to develop a 3 acre urban farm cooperative, La Finca del Sur, led by Black and Latina residents.Some duties included: Acted as a liaison between government agencies and local stakeholders to develop a neighborhood farm; Coordinated with state and city departments to establish land use agreements; Conducted and facilitated community meetings regarding land use plans and project programming; Administered soil testing with Cornell University Agriculture Extension Program and Community School for Social Justice; Managed the North Star Foundation’s CITGO Community Projects Grant; Co-managed the South Bronx Community Farmers Market; Coordinated and facilitated workshops for interns on food justice and health education. Show less

Masters Of City And Regional Planning, City/Urban, Community And Regional Planning

Activities and Societies: Co-Chair, Penn Design Black Student Alliance. Concentration in community and economic development, urban design.

Bachelor Of Arts In Geography, Cum Laude

Department of Global and Sociocultural Studies.

Undergraduate Certificate In Agroecology

Activities and Societies: The Certificate is offered by the Department of Environmental Studies in partnership with Miami Dade College.