Let’s Talk Texas — Senior Analysts Taylor Kay and Amruta Sakalker share insights about our work and culture in the Lone Star State

We sat down with Senior Analysts Taylor Kay and Amruta Sakalker to delve into the most exciting opportunities for urban planning and development across Texas. The discussion highlights HR&A's commitment to equity in its work and provides insights into the unique culture of HR&A's Texas office.

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Can you talk a little bit about the culture of the Texas office and what it's like to work there?

Amruta: In reflecting on my experience within our Texas office, I've come to appreciate the unique advantages that come with its size and dynamic. The Texas office has a perfect balance — it's not overwhelmingly large, yet not too small either. This balance fosters an environment where connections are easily forged, and collaboration flows seamlessly.

In Texas, there's a sense of familiarity that allows for more meaningful interactions. You can effortlessly stay informed about various projects and initiatives without feeling tethered to them, which ultimately enhances productivity and engagement. Whether through informal conversations or structured initiatives, there's a continuous emphasis on learning and development.

Moreover, the culture of support and knowledge-sharing within our office is truly exceptional. I've personally experienced the willingness of colleagues to lend a helping hand and share insights. I’ve appreciated having a peer like Taylor, who provided invaluable support when I joined. Her guidance always pointed me in the right direction — a vital asset in navigating complex projects.

Taylor:? I am grateful for the warm welcome I received upon joining the Texas office. They really rolled out the “blue carpet” for me. From the moment I stepped through the doors, I was greeted with genuine kindness and enthusiasm, truly embodying the Texan spirit of hospitality. I immediately felt valued and appreciated.

One standout feature about the Texas office is its collegial atmosphere, It fosters collaboration and mutual support. Whether it's bouncing ideas off of each other in meetings or sharing a quick chat in the hallway, there's always a sense of teamwork and camaraderie in the office. I also appreciate the office's commitment to valuing every member of the team. Regardless of role or seniority, everyone's contributions are recognized and respected. This inclusive approach not only enhances morale but also promotes a sense of belonging and empowerment among employees.

And let's not forget about our furry friends! As a dog-friendly office, we enjoy the presence of our canine companions throughout the day. Not only do they bring joy and laughter, but they also serve as a reminder to stay grounded and appreciate the little things in life. My experience in the Texas office has been nothing short of exceptional, and I look forward to continuing to contribute to our collective success.

Could you discuss HR&A’s emphasis on equity in our work and provide examples of how equity is being prioritized in our projects in Texas and beyond?

Taylor: I'd like to emphasize a key aspect that has consistently underscored our work: redefining equity. In today's discourse, 'equity' is frequently used, but often lacks a shared understanding. Part of our mission has been to clarify its meaning within the unique context of Dallas. Amidst this effort, HR&A has prioritized inclusivity by ensuring voices traditionally sidelined are brought to the forefront. It's about acknowledging the value of perspectives previously overlooked and affirming their importance in shaping our collective narrative.

Moreover, our approach extends beyond representation; it involves institutionalizing this new understanding of equity. This means embedding it within policies and governance structures, recognizing the need for iterative, pilot-based implementation. In this new era of reimagining equity across various domains, experimentation is inevitable, and continuous refinement is essential.

At the heart of our work with the Dallas Economic Development Policy there was a commitment to equity — a guiding principle that both the City Council and staff embraced as our North Star. In all our analyses, strategies, and proposals, we anchored them with the overarching goal of making Dallas a more equitable place for all its residents. Our priority remains clear: to uplift those who have historically been marginalized from economic opportunities. This principle guides our governance approaches, policy formulations, and the inception of new programs.

Our approach is simple yet profound: lead with an equity lens in all our endeavors. By prioritizing the needs of marginalized communities, we aim to foster inclusivity and drive meaningful change in Dallas. There's no blueprint to follow. Yet, it's a journey worth undertaking — a testament to HR&A’s commitment to fostering a more equitable future for cities across America.

Amruta: I resonate with Taylor's perspective, which aligns closely with my own understanding. During interview calls, I had enlightening conversations with the HR&A’s team. Two key principles emerged as central to our project practices: procedural equity and community engagement.

Procedural equity involves improving decision-making practices by engaging with city councils, having meaningful public participation, and recognizing knowledge systems of all stakeholders to advocate for equitable governance. As Taylor aptly put it, we must ensure that discussions on equity reach the right stakeholders within councils, communities, and municipalities. This means advocating for equitable governance and distribution, ensuring every community has a voice in the decision-making process.

In Texas, while state-level policies often take precedence, HR&A is committed to shaping local initiatives for maximum impact. By leveraging the strengths of our diverse communities and their inclusive perspectives, we strive to create truly equitable environments. Our localized approach forms a solid foundation for equity and inclusion. Through this strategy, we tap into community-specific resources and perspectives, addressing their unique challenges head-on. This proactive stance propels us toward a fairer, more inclusive society.

For instance, in the realm of Historic Preservation , our approach goes beyond traditional voices in the field. We prioritize including newer voices with roots in preservation but who haven't had a platform before. Additionally, we strive for diversity in community representation, ensuring that all perspectives are heard and considered. True equity requires embedding these principles into every decision we make.

Ultimately, achieving equity is about finding the right mix of voices, ensuring that marginalized communities have a seat at the table, not just to ask questions but to actively participate. This approach to equity not only enriches our projects but also fosters a more just and inclusive society.

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What do you see as the most exciting opportunities for urban planning and development across Texas?

Taylor: With temperatures dropping significantly in the winter months and rising very high in the spring and summer months over the last few years, I think it’s a great opportunity to acknowledge climate change. The landscape of opportunities in addressing climate change is vast and multifaceted. From climate justice to environmental justice and disaster planning, there's a plethora of areas where individuals and organizations can make meaningful contributions.

Moreover, in regions like Texas, where logistics and transportation thrive, there's a unique intersection between economic and workforce development. As more people flock to Texas for its economic prospects, affordability is a pressing issue with implications that demand discussion. Specifically, housing affordability is intricately tied to the broader economic development agenda. In essence, focusing on these top three priorities — climate resilience, economic prosperity, and affordability — can pave the way for a more sustainable and equitable future in Texas. I think we have the chance through our project work to seize these.

Lastly, you can’t talk about these topics — climate resilience, economic prosperity, and affordability — without talking about real estate. Texas has a vast expanse of land so it’s important to think about that land utilization as tool for problem-solving. At HR&A, we’re uniquely positioned to contribute meaningfully to the discourse because we thrive in developing interdisciplinary solutions.

Amruta: With a surge in population, smaller communities are faced with the pressing need to expand rapidly. However, the way this expansion occurs will shape the region's future. Will it succumb to traditional sprawl approaches, or will it adopt innovative strategies that account for affordability, climate resilience, and equitable governance?

What’s great about being at HR&A is that we are leading economic development and urban planning across the country, so we bring experience and lessons learned from navigating similar challenges to our work in Texas. By integrating best practices, HR&A can guide communities towards sustainable expansion models that not only accommodate growth but do it in a way that is equitable.

Amidst the changes sweeping across Texas, the silver lining lies in the potential for transformation. By harnessing the collective wisdom gained from our strong local partnerships and from elsewhere, HR&A can lead the charge towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

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