Chaise Cope, Leed Ap Bd And C, Cnu-A, Aicp, Sea, Hredfp, Msarp Email & Phone Number

Indianapolis, Indiana, United States

As an Associate Professor specializing in sustainability, urban planning, urban design, and public policy, I am leading a unique hybrid course that blends undergraduate and graduate learning experiences as a Subject Matter Expert across multiple disciplines, fostering an environment where ideas and strategies for a sustainable and equitable built environment can flourish. I am committed to shaping the future of our cities through education and collaborative innovation.My teaching philosophy revolves around the empowerment of the next generation of leaders. Through motivational and educational leadership, I strive to inspire and equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to drive meaningful change in urban environments. My position at the intersection of academia and industry allows me to be a pivotal influencer, collaborating with top-notch peers and emerging student leaders from diverse backgrounds.Beyond teaching, my involvement in the academic community includes supporting fellow professors and peers in their research endeavors. I frequently engage as a guest speaker, sharing insights and participating in thought-provoking discussions. These collaborations with other industry professionals are not only intellectually stimulating but also play a vital role in nurturing a supportive network for continuous learning and professional growth.In summary, my career is dedicated to creating a more sustainable, equitable built environment through education, leadership, and collaborative excellence. I am passionate about instilling a sense of responsibility and capability in future urban planners and policymakers, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the challenges of tomorrow’s urban landscapes.

As Senior Planner, I impacted and influenced the city system, various neighborhoods, as well as other organizations, such as USGBC. My leadership is best described as a servant operating as a Subject Matter Expert and Trusted Advisor in the overall development of new city and neighborhood comprehensive plans, creating affordable housing solutions, and implementing sustainability. It is a great reward to realize the efforts of both my thinking and my implementations on the future look and success of the city. Whether it’s partnering with Google and the Forestry Department to ensure a healthy tree canopy or leading the Sustainability Department to implement LEED Metrics in the climate action plan, my positive relationships and proactive focus paid off for the citizens of South Bend.When it comes down to the nitty-gritty of funding, I was awarded $13M in low-income housing tax credits (3 out of 17 projects) for energy-efficient affordable housing. I also secured a grant from Bank of America to participate with 12 cities in the LEED for Cities Local Government Leadership Program and pursued Certification. Under my leadership South Bend became LEED Gold certified, the first in the State of Indiana. I also revamped a Vibrant Places Façade Grant Program, creatively utilizing federal American Rescue Plan funds to revitalize business facades and overhaul program requirements while collaborating departmental communications and actions.My analytics leveraged under-utilized state statutes, rescuing and repurposing eight buildings from demolition. This is huge in both saving funds and unsightly neglected buildings that can be an asset moving forward.​Finally, outside of the city system, I was appointed by the LEED Steering Committee and the USGBC Board to the Location and Planning TAG Committee. I was also hired as a consultant through a grant to work for CILTI. Both of these opportunities point to my devotion to my craft and to extending my influence beyond the city borders.

Elkhart, Indiana, United States

In my general role as Assistant Director of Redevelopment, I spearheaded comprehensive redevelopment projects for market rate and affordable housing through state and federal programs. I reported to the Redevelopment Commission and managed infrastructure and local public improvements. Importantly, I oversaw a $15M yearly budget of TIF funds and an internal budget of $1.2M, the allocation of federal funds, and community development block grants and American Rescue Plan funds. In this position, I also acquired and disposed of all city property for development. One of my most meaningful initiatives was earning the confidence of and swaying the mayor to update the zoning ordinance to attract more affordable housing. This single handedly revised a 25-year-old, developer-prohibitive decree, changing the overall focus, landscape, and importance of future-forward City of Elkhart development. My foresight and impact will go on for generations to come in advancing affordable housing and sustainability. I also brought 92 units of affordable housing, a $25M investment from 2 low-incoming housing tax credit awards, signifying the city’s first new construction multi-family tax credit awards, achieving the first residential building built since 1831. I broke through 193 years of stagnation to achieve what no one else had either thought of or cared to do.On another note, I captured $4M in Indiana Finance Authority state funds to remediate city-owned brownfields, causing the city to seize this opportunity. I also secured a third redevelopment agreement for eight affordable housing units on a formerly contaminated brownfield using HOME grant funds and an investment of $2M. Last but not least, I presented projects, reports, legislation, and purchase agreements to the Redevelopment Commission and City Council.

Elkhart, Indiana, United States

As a Neighborhood Planner, I garnered data, analyzed demographics, and designed GIS demographic and spatial analysis for a food desert, abandoned homes, property taxes, and vacant lots. I also partnered with the Michiana Area Council of Governments, MACOG, to apply for and use $1M in EPA brownfield assessment funds. I was awarded a Technical Assistance to Brownfields (TAB) contract with Atlas Environmental, a federally funded program through the EPA, birthing a national pilot program as a result of the innovative project. In addition, I developed and executed a blighted neighborhood revitalization program, awarding new city infrastructure and cleanup. On another effort, I managed $500k in a FEMA Hazard Mitigation Flood Buyout Grant to purchase six homes in dangerous floodway areas. Finally, in regard to GIS skills, I solely created a housing condition survey in GIS, facilitating city employees rating home conditions to target federal funds. I also created an interactive GIS map of historic properties, locating properties with historic restrictions and retitled 1,000 properties to the correct municipal department.

At Insite, a trailblazing firm in high-end multi-family residential projects, I played a pivotal role in shaping urban landscapes through innovative design and development.I led the design and development of multiple multi-family apartment complexes, a testament to my proficiency in managing large-scale, high-value projects. A key achievement was my leadership in the $4.2M Millrace project, a 16 unit condo and townhouse project, demonstrating my capability in steering complex projects to fruition. I expertly managed a diverse, multidisciplinary team of architects, engineers, attorneys, construction staff, and consultants. My role was crucial in ensuring collaborative and efficient operations in both multi and single-family infill developments.My responsibilities included designing 3D models and renderings, pivotal in client presentations and decision-making processes. These creations were not only functional but also aesthetically advanced, reflecting the cutting-edge ethos of Insite.I was instrumental in designing websites, logos, real estate brochures, and graphics. These marketing materials significantly bolstered our sales efforts, showcasing my ability to blend creative design with strategic marketing.A key aspect of my role was contributing to community and city initiatives, particularly focusing on revitalization and infill development. My efforts in marketing, design, and development played a significant role in transforming urban spaces, underscoring my commitment to sustainable and community-centric development.My experience at Insite was not just about project management and aesthetic design; it was a journey in understanding and contributing to the business and community aspects of real estate development in Michiana. My work helped in creating spaces that were functional, sustainable, and integral to the community’s growth, revitalization, and economic development efforts.

Master Of Public Administration - Mpa, Environmental Policy And Sustainability

Activities and Societies: Member of Pi Alpha Alpha National Honor Society for Public Affairs

Master'S Degree, Urban And Regional Planning

Master'S Degree, Urban Design

Graduate Certificate, Strategic Sustainability Leadership

Study Abroad in Costa Rica

Bachelor Of Arts - Ba, Political Science And Government

Activities and Societies: Member of Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society, IU Honors Program, Student Government.

Certificate, Foundations Of Collaborative Community Change

Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences