Laura Benjamin-Lapitz Email & Phone Number

Bellevue, Washington, United States

Support City Council, the City Manager, and the Department of Community Development on intergovernmental issues related to housing, growth, affordable housing, neighborhood issues, environmental sustainability, economic development, and land use.

Seattle, Washington, United States

Developed, implemented, and monitored regional policies and actions addressing growth management and land use, housing and housing affordability, and equitable transit-oriented development. Collaborated with PSRC members and other groups to ensure that adopted policies are consistently represented and addressed throughout the region and in all PSRC planning and project funding efforts. Managed the agency’s housing work program, including the development and implementation of the Regional… Show more Developed, implemented, and monitored regional policies and actions addressing growth management and land use, housing and housing affordability, and equitable transit-oriented development. Collaborated with PSRC members and other groups to ensure that adopted policies are consistently represented and addressed throughout the region and in all PSRC planning and project funding efforts. Managed the agency’s housing work program, including the development and implementation of the Regional Housing Strategy and updates to the Housing Innovations Program. Served as lead staff for the Regional Transit-Oriented Development Committee. Show less

Seattle, Wa

Seattle, Wa

Coordinated and managed long-range and current planning projects including the 2015 updates to the Housing and Residential Neighborhoods elements of the Comprehensive Plan, and subsequent updates to the Zoning Code. Researched and wrote technical reports. Reviewed and approved a variety of complex land use and environmental permits. Served as a liaison between the City and the public and outside agencies.

Seattle, Wa

Managed the Planning for Whole Communities Toolkit, a project under the U.S. Center for Disease Control's Community Transformation Grant program. Developed technical content around a variety of planning tools in an effort to support and encourage local jurisdictions to include public health, social equity, and sustainable development programs and policies in their plans. Created a website, maintenance plan, and recognition program to support the Toolkit. Coordinated regular inter-agency working… Show more Managed the Planning for Whole Communities Toolkit, a project under the U.S. Center for Disease Control's Community Transformation Grant program. Developed technical content around a variety of planning tools in an effort to support and encourage local jurisdictions to include public health, social equity, and sustainable development programs and policies in their plans. Created a website, maintenance plan, and recognition program to support the Toolkit. Coordinated regular inter-agency working group meetings and present work for feedback and revision. Show less

San Jose, Ca

Oversaw operational systems, processes, and policies in support of SunSpec's mission to create open information standards for the renewable energy industry. Played a significant role in short- and long-term planning. Managed ongoing communication with current and prospective members. Coordinated direct email campaigns and bi-monthly newsletters. Assisted in the planning of events and conferences. Aided business development efforts including contract proposals and relationship building.… Show more Oversaw operational systems, processes, and policies in support of SunSpec's mission to create open information standards for the renewable energy industry. Played a significant role in short- and long-term planning. Managed ongoing communication with current and prospective members. Coordinated direct email campaigns and bi-monthly newsletters. Assisted in the planning of events and conferences. Aided business development efforts including contract proposals and relationship building. Contract position. Show less

Reviewed grant applications and proposals for funding from First 5 LA's Healthy Food Access Initiative. Assessed organizational and programmatic capacity of proposals. Assisted in the interview and selection process of applicants.

Los Angeles, Ca

In collaboration with Focus the Nation, conducted original research to better understand the barriers and opportunities to large-scale solar PV financing at UCLA. Designed a cost-benefit analysis to evaluate alternative financing scenarios of solar PV installations at UCLA. Created a list of policy recommendations to aid in the market growth of solar PV at UCLA and higher education as a sector.

Coordinated permitting and construction process of school and community garden. Provided garden-based education opportunities for Vestal School students, staff, parents, and community members while emphasizing local food production and nutrition. Assessed programming and development efforts through original research and public feedback. Recruited, trained and managed parent and community member volunteers to assist with classroom activities and garden maintenance.

Maintained connections with previous sponsors and implemented an outreach program to attract new sponsors for the 2009 and 2010 market seasons. Collaborated with Montavilla Farmers' Market Board of Directors to develop a strategic plan for future fundraising efforts, with an emphasis on business solicitations and small grants. Created and managed fundraising database.

Masters Of Urban And Regional Planning, Environmental Analysis And Policy

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), Urban And Environmental Policy