We are happy to announce Shannon Wages, AICP, has joined ESA as Principal Associate in our Community Development practice. Based in Portland, Shannon will work with the firm’s practitioners and clients throughout California, Oregon, and Washington to implement community planning projects that address improved mobility systems, housing choices, climate change mitigation and adaptation, floodplain and shoreline management, and environmental health inequities.
Shannon brings nearly two decades of experience in planning, urban design, climate adaptation, and community outreach. Particularly versed in managing long-range planning documents and complex land use entitlement projects, she remains involved throughout the entirety of a project, from planning and conceptual design through obtaining certificates of occupancy. Throughout her career, Shannon has successfully facilitated preparation of a wide variety of community plans, including General Plan Updates, Climate Adaptation Plans, and Specific Plans.
“Shannon’s expertise in long-range and climate adaptation planning makes her a valuable addition to our team of urban planners and climate resiliency scientists, striving every day to ensure that growth and change in communities is positive, healthy, and equitable,” says Ruta K. Thomas, ESA’s Southern California Regional Director. “As a creative thought leader, she helps her clients develop innovative planning strategies that reach our communities broadly and deeply.”
Shannon’s recent project work includes transforming a former 1.1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility into an employment district for the City of Long Beach, as well as preparing a transformative climate plan for the City of Bakersfield. Her expertise includes public outreach, and she is experienced in facilitating workshops for community members and incorporating their comments at each stage of a project. Shannon’ work also includes making it possible for cities to implement their plans through entitling development projects or assisting with grant funding and financing mechanisms. She has earned multiple awards from the American Planning Association (APA) for her planning projects.
Shannon holds an MA in Urban Planning/Design from the University of Southern California, as well as a BA in Humanities/Spanish from Brigham Young University. She is an active member of the APA, American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), and the American Society of Adaptation Professionals (ASAP). She is also a volunteer with the Oregon APA Community Assistance Planning Program (CAPP).
