Urban planning is more than just designing cities — it’s about creating spaces that reflect the needs, dreams, and identities of the people who inhabit them. For Consuelo, an urban planner with over 20 years of experience in local government, this truth is deeply personal. As the daughter of Mexican immigrants, Consuelo grew up in the vibrant, diverse neighborhoods of Chicago’s South Side. Consuelo’s journey into urban planning began here, where she witnessed firsthand how the built environment could shape lives. “I grew up in an urban environment that was diverse, walkable, and transit-oriented,” she recalls. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but those experiences laid the foundation for my career.” Today, she channels those experiences into her work, serving the public and advocating for equitable, inclusive communities. 

As a first-generation college student and a bilingual woman (her first language was Spanish), Consuelo faced unique challenges. “I’ve had to work twice as hard to prove myself and excel in my career,” she says. Her path to urban planning wasn’t linear — Consuelo started college undecided on what field of study to pursue and stumbled upon the field of planning almost by chance. “Urban planning unknowingly found me,” she says. “Once I declared it as my major, I never looked back. There is no other field I see myself in.”

Consuelo’s career has been defined by her commitment to public service. With two decades of experience in local government.  She has worked on a wide range of projects, from community development, to zoning overlays, to special census. One of her proudest accomplishments was serving as the project manager for a zoning overlay district in an historic core and downtown area in the City of Warrenville.  Consuelo also oversaw a special census that resulted in an annual state revenue increase of over $422,000—a testament to her ability to create tangible impacts.  Most recently, she was part of the project team that worked on the Latino Inclusive Engagement Guide of the Latinos and Planning Division of the American Planning Association.

Consuelo’s career reflects her unwavering dedication to urban planning and public service. Over the past two decades, she has held key roles in local government, including her current position as Assistant Director of Community Development for the Village of Addison, Illinois. She has worked in several communities in Illinois. Each role has allowed her to apply best practices, lead impactful projects, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of the communities she serves.

Consuelo’s career hasn’t been without hurdles. One of her most challenging experiences was taking over the management of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding program, a federal initiative through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). “Learning a new management system – a system named IDIS – was uncomfortable at times,” she admits, “but it was a great learning and growth opportunity.”  

Beyond her professional achievements, Consuelo is deeply committed to investing in her community. She mentors young professionals, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds. Additionally, she is a member of public service-oriented organizations such as the Legacy Project that advances women in local government, and the Local Government Hispanic Network (LGHN). Consuelo is also an active participant in urban planning-related organizations like the American Planning Association (APA) and Chicago’s Municipal Design Review Network (MDRN) at Chaddick Institute, where she serves as Committee Chair. “Serving the public is my focus,” she says. “I start every workday feeling grateful and with a desire to give back.”

Consuelo’s journey is not just a story of personal success — it’s a roadmap for aspiring planners. Here’s the advice she offers to the next generation:

1)       Find your voice - Be courageous and intentional; the answer is always no unless you try. 

2)       Embrace challenges as opportunities – being uncomfortable helps you grow. 

3)       Be open to learning and teaching – be adaptable this field is always evolving. 

4)       Prioritize your work life balance - you can’t function to the best of your ability in one area without taking care of the other.

Consuelo’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and purpose. From her roots in Chicago’s South Side to her impactful career in local government, she has dedicated her life to creating equitable, inclusive communities. Her journey serves as both an inspiration and a guide for the next generation of planners, reminding us that urban planning is not just about building cities — it’s about building better futures for everyone.

Education: University of Illinois at Chicago Master of Urban Planning & Policy, Certificate in Geospatial Analysis and Visualization. Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

APA Divisions:  City Planning and Management Division; Housing and Community Development Division; Small Town and Rural Planning Division; Planning with Underserved Populations Interest Group; Women and Planning Division; Latinos and Planning Division

Professional Affiliations:  Illinois Local Government Hispanic Network (ILGHN), Legacy Project, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development - Municipal Design Review Network (MDRN), Women in Planning and Development (WP&D)

Professional Affiliations:  Illinois Local Government Hispanic Network (ILGHN), Legacy Project, Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development - Municipal Design Review Network (MDRN), Women in Planning and Development (WP&D)

States Worked: Illinois

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