Jennifer Woods is a seasoned professional in her field, well-versed across multiple divisions of planning. Over the course of her seventeen-year career, she has gained experience in city planning, small-town and rural planning, housing and community development, and economic development.
After earning a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University (FSU), Jennifer began her career in Las Cruces, NM, in 2008 as an associate planner. She later worked in Issaquah, WA (2012), before becoming a Long-Range Planner for Adams County, CO, in 2018. In 2020, she was appointed Planning Director for Hudson, CO, a position she continues to hold permanently as of 2024.
Jennifer has demonstrated a keen ability to analyze policy, think long-term about planning decisions, and implement development processes that foster complementary and compatible growth. Her success in the profession stems from both technical expertise and leadership. Reflecting on her early aspirations, she remarked on once wanting to “save the world as a Peace Corps volunteer” but recognized that nonprofit initiatives and public servants are equally essential to building a better tomorrow. Her no-nonsense approach to planning reflects her commitment to creating inclusive communities that meet the needs of their residents. As a member of the Chickasaw Nation, she also grounds her work in her heritage, honoring the original stewards of the lands where she plans.
Jennifer takes pride in her accomplishments. She and her team in Issaquah received a Sustainability Award from the American Planning Association in recognition of their excellence. Over the years, she has also secured millions of dollars in grants for mobility and drainage improvements to highways. Her efforts to strengthen collaboration between communities through new regional governmental agreements have been another cornerstone of her career.
“Planning is so very important. I’ve worked with a lot of folks from rural communities to cities I’ve worked in, and you will have no credibility with residents if you don’t listen and advocate for what people actually want,” Jennifer emphasizes.
Through her work, Jennifer serves as a reminder that one cannot be a supporting character in their own life—others may guide your choices, but they should never dictate them. She embodies the idea that planning exists to support and supplement community growth, a mission that requires both decisiveness and compassion.
For those entering the field, Jennifer encourages young planners to pursue what drives and inspires them:
“Jump into leadership. Volunteer. Don’t sit back and let others lead you!”
Education: B.A. Business Administration- International Business from Texas Tech University; M.S. Urban and Regional Planning from Florida State University.
APA Divisions: Tribal and Indigenous Planning Division (Chair, 2023-2026), City Planning and Management Division, Economic Development Division, Housing and Community Development Division, Small Town and Rural Planning Division
States Worked: Washington, New Mexico, Colorado International Work: Albania