City Advisors

When my academic and professional planning worlds collide!???????? I’m excited to facilitate a collaboration between the City of Westminster, CA and UC Irvine’s MURP program, hosting second-year students as they embark on their community planning practicum. Over the next two quarters, these students will immerse themselves in the City of Westminster, engaging with community members and exploring strategies to create vibrant, sustainable neighborhoods for the future.?????? We kicked off the evening at the Family Resource Center, nestled in Sigler Park. ?? After dinner and a presentation, we took a walking tour through the park and stopped by key sites like the Mendez Tribute Monument Park, the Westminster Crossing affordable housing development, and the future Mendez Freedom Trail. It was a reminder that great planning is about more than just land use and design—it’s about weaving together history, culture, and community needs. ????? #wecannotplanfromourdesks Plus, we got to see Adolfo truly geek out over all the active transportation potential in the City!???♂??? I’m especially excited to work once again with my former "Planning Career Development " students and to support my friend, Susan Harden,. Giving back to the profession through volunteer leadership and pro bono technical planning assistance is a core value of mine at City Advisors, and I’m proud to extend that service to the City of Westminster.????? Looking forward to the innovative ideas that will emerge from this practicum!???

Though I launched City Advisors in 2022, it’s these past few months that have truly made me feel like a business owner... all thanks to TAXES. ?? From spending hours on the phone to set up my own payroll and retirement accounts, to scouring a year's worth of expenses across multiple cards—the entire experience was about so much more than just numbers. There were many moments of ??, ??, and sometimes ??... but these challenges have profoundly shaped my appreciation for the nitty-gritty of business management. I've come out the other side not just with a better grasp on my finances, but with a newfound respect for anyone who takes on the labyrinth of self-employment taxes. Navigating tax season has truly been a liberating journey into the depths of financial details that many fear to tread. Here's to all the small business owners wrestling with receipts, and a special shoutout to my cat for being the unofficial 'tax advisor' - who clearly shows what she thinks of tax season! ??????

Thrilled to both attend and lead a session at my first League of California Cities conference, joining forces with some of my favorite city planners! We were grateful to speak to a PACKED room ?? full of engaged Planning Commissioners, all volunteering their time to serve their communities. Katie Crockett, Gustavo Gonzalez, and Sean Nicholas shared their insights as long-time public servants, as well as the highs and lows that come with working on a challenging development project. As the moderator, I was happy to put my acting chops on display – role-playing as a newly appointed “commissioner” asking all the common questions and myths about city planning. What made this experience particularly memorable was the extended Q&A session – over 40 minutes of dynamic exchange, setting perhaps a new conference record! While we went way past our allotted time, the Commissioners' enthusiasm and commitment to expanding their knowledge was truly inspiring. ???? A heartfelt thank you to the League of California Cities for creating a platform where planning staff and Commissioners can exchange ideas and perspectives.?And thanks to everyone that spent their afternoon with us to explore beyond the “tip of the iceberg” ?? and uncover everything that happens before the public hearing! #planningcommissionersacademy #longbeach

Excited to announce that I'll be leading a session at the Planning Commissioners Academy hosted by the League of California Cities. I'm honored to share the stage with incredible planners - Katie, Gustavo, and Sean - as we dive into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to prepare for public hearings. Behind every public hearing lies a saga of hard work, often unseen by the public eye. Our session, "The Tip of the Iceberg: Everything that Happens Before the Public Hearing," aims to shed light on this. From the extensive preparation by City staff to the diligent efforts of applicants, we'll explore the myriad of activities that take place before a project even reaches the Planning Commission or City Council. ?????? But here's where I need your help! As we develop our presentation over the next month, I'd love to gather insights from my #LinkedInCommunity. What are some common questions or "planning myths" you’ve encountered from Commissioners or the public? Your experiences and questions could help shape our session and ensure we address the real-world challenges you face.?Drop your thoughts in the comments below ?? or send me a direct message. Every perspective counts, and I can't wait to incorporate your views into our session! ?? And if you're attending the Planning Commissioners Academy, don't forget to mark your calendars for our session. Can't wait to see you there! #PlanningCommissionersAcademy #CityPlanning #PublicHearing #CommunityEngagement #LocalGovernment