Melissa Cerezo

About Melissa Cerezo

Melissa Cerezo, AICP (she/they), is a city planner focused on co-creating vibrant, transit-connected communities through effective city planning and civic engagement. She began her career at the NYC Department of City Planning during the Bloomberg Administration, leading community-based initiatives in West Harlem and the Upper East Side, and improving the city\'s Privately Owned Public Spaces (POPS).In 2017, Melissa joined the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), revitalizing the Land Use and Transportation Integration Program. She built partnerships with local cities to enhance transit ridership and complete neighborhoods. She has served on various development and planning-related task forces and technical advisory committees across the county. Currently, as the Transit-Oriented Communities (TOC) Manager at VTA, Melissa promotes inclusive growth, community resilience, and sustainability. She collaborates with local agencies, community organizations and various stakeholders to develop people-centered transit-oriented communities that enhance the quality of life for all residents.

Experience

1. Transit-oriented Communities Manager

   VTA

   Oct 2023 — Present · San Jose, CA, US

   I lead initiatives that co-create vibrant, inclusive, and resilient neighborhoods near transit. My work is rooted in building strategic partnerships and unlocking opportunities that foster healthy, safe, and prosperous communities.I led the creation of VTA’s first community-centered grant program to reinvest TOD revenues to support local policies that build transit ridership and implement community innovation to enhance social and economic opportunity. I drive station-area planning and long-range development strategies that allow transit investments to flourish alongside inclusive growth. Through deep collaboration with public agencies, nonprofits, and community stakeholders, I champion development efforts that prioritize transit access, housing affordability, and quality of life for all residents.

Education

• City University of New York-Hunter College

  Master of Urban Planning (MUP)

• City University of New York-Hunter College

  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

• University at Albany, SUNY

  Undergraduate coursework