Communities are unique yet similar. They have leaders, residents, community organizations and nonprofits, houses of worship and other dynamic parts that bring people together. There are homes, parks, schools, stores, transit and infrastructure that impacts the daily lives of people.The ability to understand the socioeconomic and the physical environment of a community helps build a foundation and tells the story of where the community is today. When we create this baseline, we can start to vision, make recommendations, see opportunities and solutions to evoke change. As a neighborhood planner with a background in data analysis, transit, land use & zoning, I work with communities every day to develop & execute public engagement programs that are innovative, action-oriented and participatory. Stakeholders are encouraged to ‘get off the sidelines and join the game’ to weigh in on the challenges, needs and vision for their communities.My firm, Contente Consulting is brought in when there is an initiative that impacts an urban community. We apply our established relationships, strong network & people-centered approach to a grassroots philosophy to meet people where they are.We focus on four main service areas:▪️ Comprehensive community planning for urban neighborhood revitalization▪️ Public engagement programs for community, transportation and open space▪️ Organizational strategic planning with an emphasis in project implementation▪️ Urban design focused on site & TOD planning We start with the data, engage the community to develop a vision, make recommendations based on reality and deliver an implementation plan. Over the past 20 years we consistently deliver results for our clients and strategic partners to improve communities throughout the southeast.Additionally, I engage with my own community as well serving as an adjunct professor, panelist, facilitator, board member, mentor and grant and organization development specialist. My most recent (and proudest) role is as foster-to-adopt mom of 4 siblings, ages 5 to 9 years old. I have known these kids since birth and it is a true gift to raise them.