Jennifer Barclay is a dedicated planning and community development professional with extensive experience in strategic planning, public engagement, and organizational leadership. She has a strong track record of advancing community-focused initiatives, fostering collaboration across government and community stakeholders, and supporting equitable development outcomes. Jennifer brings expertise in project management, policy development, and stakeholder engagement, with a passion for mentoring and empowering others in the planning profession. Known for her ability to build partnerships and drive meaningful change, she is committed to creating inclusive, sustainable communities through thoughtful planning and leadership. 

Lucas Raley, AICP, CNU-A, CFM, is a planning and development leader with expertise in municipal operations, zoning, and community-focused growth strategies. He currently serves as Director of Planning and Development for the City of Canyon, Texas, where he oversees a $1 million department and leads a multidisciplinary team in advancing comprehensive planning, development review, and infrastructure initiatives. Lucas has a proven track record of modernizing zoning and subdivision regulations, securing over $1 million in grant funding, and facilitating major residential growth projects that expand housing capacity and improve development processes. With a strong background in strategic planning, public engagement, and policy advising, he is committed to fostering sustainable, transparent, and community-centered development. He holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in City and Regional Planning from Cornell University. 

Jennifer is an experienced urban planner with a strong background in city planning, development services, and project management. She recently served as Senior Director of Planning for the City of Waxahachie, Texas (2021–2025), where she led sustainable planning initiatives and advised the City Council. Prior roles include Acting Development Services Director and Assistant Director in Burleson, Texas, and key planning positions in Arlington, where she managed major projects like the Viridian community and Loews Luxury Hotel.

Her career began in Carson City, Nevada, where she advanced from Planning Technician to Principal Planner II. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Architecture from the New School of Architecture in San Diego and is certified as an AICP, LEED AP, and CNU-A. A U.S. Naval Reserves veteran, she served as a Hospital Corpsman during Operation Desert Storm.

Varshini is a dynamic Multimodal Planner; She is a Planner by Profession and a Poet at Heart. Her journey into planning began in high school, leading to a bachelor’s and a master’s in urban planning, and plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Transportation Planning.

Outside of her work, she has a passion for traveling and caring for her beautiful plants. As a proud parent of over 35 plants, they help her stay grounded and maintain balance in her life. She also enjoys journaling. Varshini is dedicated to sharing her knowledge, continuously learning new skills, and contributing to community work. She is an active member of the APA Florida Planning for all Committee, Vice Chair of the APA Florida Emerging Planners Group, and is deeply involved in several other APA divisions.

Travis Baird is a government real estate and urban planning leader with over a decade of experience in right-of-way acquisition, municipal real estate, and development services. He currently serves as Assistant Director of Current Planning for the City of Georgetown, where he leads an eight-person team overseeing zoning, site plans, and platting for one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Travis has managed thousands of development applications and played a key role in aligning planning and real estate functions across departments. Previously, he led the City’s real estate program, completing more than 500 transactions and supporting major infrastructure projects and relocations. Known for his strategic leadership and regulatory expertise, he holds a BA in Political Science and History from Texas State University and maintains multiple professional certifications, including the SR/WA designation and Certified New Urbanist credential. 

Raneika K. Brooks, AICP, is a seasoned urban planning professional with over 15 years of experience in municipal planning, land use policy, and community development. She currently serves as a Senior Planner for the City of Inglewood, where she leads the city’s Comprehensive General Plan Update and oversees advanced planning initiatives that promote sustainable growth and community-focused development. Raneika has held progressively senior roles with the City of Malibu and City of El Segundo, managing complex development reviews, coastal compliance, and long-range planning efforts. Known for her leadership, policy expertise, and collaborative approach, she has extensive experience presenting to city councils, coordinating with stakeholders, and guiding strategic planning processes. She holds a Bachelor of Science in City and Regional Planning from California Polytechnic State University and is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. 

Mark Newman, AICP, is a dynamic community development leader with nearly a decade of public sector experience in urban planning, housing policy, and infrastructure delivery across the Pacific Northwest. He currently serves as Director of Community Development for the City of Sultan, where he leads multidisciplinary teams overseeing planning, permitting, code enforcement, and redevelopment initiatives. Mark has a strong track record of advancing complex policy and legislative efforts, securing grant funding, and implementing capital improvement projects that enhance infrastructure and expand housing opportunities—particularly for underserved communities. Known for his collaborative leadership and ability to revitalize teams and projects, he has successfully partnered with elected officials, stakeholders, and community leaders to drive sustainable and equitable development. He holds a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the University of California, Irvine, and is an active member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. 

Heather Davis is an experienced urban planner with a strong background in both long-range and current planning, zoning, and community development. She currently serves as Deputy Planning Director for Horry County, where she leads comprehensive planning efforts, regulatory development, and special projects. Previously, she held leadership roles with the Town of Surfside Beach and the City of Birmingham, where she managed zoning enforcement, supervised staff, and played a key role in advancing neighborhood planning initiatives and maintaining high-performing federal programs. Heather is a Certified Floodplain Manager and Certified Zoning Inspector, known for her strategic thinking, clear communication, and commitment to sustainable, well-planned communities.

Yvonne Briscoe is an experienced urban planner with a strong background in long-range planning, development review, and community engagement. She currently serves as a Senior Planner for the City of Dickinson, where she manages major planning initiatives including updates to the Comprehensive Plan, Unified Development Code, and Parks, Trails, and Recreation Master Plan. Yvonne has played a key role in advancing economic development efforts, improving development processes, and establishing GIS capabilities to support data-driven decision-making across departments. With prior experience at the City of Baytown, she is skilled in zoning administration, permitting systems, and stakeholder coordination. Known for her collaborative approach and commitment to efficient, community-focused growth, she holds a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Texas State University