Melissa Bird

About Melissa Bird

Throughout my 20-year career, I have established a reputation as a transformational leader who is driven by challenge, undeterred by obstacles, and committed to furthering standards of excellence. My expertise encompasses all aspects of Community Engagement, Strategic Planning, and Advocacy. Serving as Census 2020 Executive Director, I am accustomed to the rigors of fast-paced, highly-regulated environments requiring sharp attention to detail, consummate accuracy, and outstanding communication skills.Melissa Bird, AICP I have become known for exploring new paths to strengthen urban initiatives, advocating for policy change, and building engagement in underserved communities. I have a proven ability to navigate complex situations and manage multiple accountabilities to complete both immediate and long-term projects. I am a creative thinker and problem solver with a focus on building authentic and productive partnerships. I have a passion for elevating equity and fostering team development, and inclusion. Areas of Expertise: • Strategic Planning • Community Engagement • City Planning • Advocacy & Policy Change • Partnership Development • Data Analysis • Project Management • Presentation & Public Speaking • Cross-functional Collaboration

Experience

1. Associate Director, Neighborhood Planning

   Dc Office Of Planning

   Nov 2020 — Present · DC, US

   Currently, I am the Associate Director of Neighborhood Planning, a division responsible for all place- based planning efforts and initiatives. In this role, I supervise 9 direct reports, manage diverse technical teams and establish relationships with community stakeholders, urban developers, and government officials.Prior to my current leadership role within the Office of Planning, I was awarded roles of increasing scope and responsibility. The focus of my previous work was to update the DC Comprehensive Plan, a 20-year framework to guide US future growth, development planning, equity, and land-use activity. I also served as the Ward based lead planner for areas of the city experiencing unprecedented growth, including Capitol Riverfront, Southwest waterfront, and H Street NE. I became known as a Subject Matter Expert (SME) in community engagement, planning, project management and capacity building. I ushered the Southwest Small Area Plans from concept to full Council approval. IHere are some key accomplishments while with the Office of Planning:• Managed multi-disciplinary teams covering transportation, economic development, placemaking, and urban planning projects to success.• Shepherded Council’s adoption of award-winning Southwest Area Neighborhood Plan, outlining Southwest DC development and establishing it as guiding document for future growth.•Managed DC’s first Streetcar Master Land Use Study which won a national award from Congress for New Urbanism.

Education

• University of Maryland

  Master of Community Planning