Jessica Lance
Providence,RI
Summary
Knowledgeable community and urban planner with proven history of leading high-performing teams and executing strategic initiatives that drive organizational growth. Successfully directed cross-functional projects that resulted in significant infrastructure improvements and operational efficiencies. Demonstrated leadership and communication skills in fostering collaborative environments and delivering impactful results.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Director, Special Projects
Department of Planning and Development, City of Providence, RI
Providence, RI
09.2022 - 02.2026
- Managed long-range planning projects including the Providence Tomorrow Comprehensive Plan update, Great Streets Master Plan and SS4A Safety Action Plan Update, transportation improvement projects, housing strategy, and neighborhood revitalization plans, among other projects.
- Identified, applied for, and managed successful Federal and State grant opportunities. Final portfolio included more than $40,000,000 in Federal, state and local funds.
- Managed and directed a team of professional planners and consultants working on projects to fulfill the goals of the City of Providence related to housing, transportation, sustainability and other urban planning topics.
- Represented the department and the City at local and national events and conferences as an attendee and speaker. Speaking opportunities included the Congress for New Urbanism, SNEAPA, MPACT, AASHTO, and EPA Brownfields conferences
- Served as Providence’s representative on the State. Transportation Advisory Committee beginning in 2022.
- Led strategic planning initiatives to enhance urban development and community engagement.
Planner & Principal Planner
Department of Planning and Development, City of Providence, RI
Providence, RI
09.2017 - 09.2022
- Assisted in the development of long-range community plans including the Providence Great Streets Master Plan, Woonasquatucket Vision Plan, Woonasquatucket River Greenway Improvement Project, and Unified Vision for Downtown Public Spaces, among others, through inclusive community engagement processes and presentations at various meetings.
- Facilitated community engagement sessions to gather stakeholder input on urban planning projects.
- Coordinated technical and administrative staff in the completion of assigned projects.
- Assisted in the compilation and interpretation of physical, social, and economic data used in the analysis of planning and urban redevelopment problems and in the design of the solutions to these problems.
- Prepared and delivered written and graphic reports and presentations for diverse groups of stakeholders.
- Identified, applied for and managed Federal and State grant programs to further the goals of the Department of Planning and Development.
Economic Development Coordinator/CDBG Program Manager
Department of Community Development, Town of Bristol, RI
Bristol, RI
09.2015 - 09.2017
- Administered the Town of Bristol CDBG program.
- Assisted in grant writing and other project management activities as necessary.
- Created, administered, and implemented Town of Bristol Economic Development Strategic Plan.
- Acted as liaison between local government and a broad range of community stakeholders.
Education
Masters Degree - Urban and Regional Planning
Ball State University
Muncie05.2015
Bachelor of Science - Sustainable Development
Appalachian State University
Boone12.2011
Skills
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning
- Verbal and written communication
- Decision-making
- Project management
- Budget management
- Staff management and development
- Time management
- Team management and development
- Stakeholder engagement
Affiliations
Member, National and Rhode Island Chapter of the American Planning Association
Certification
American Institute of Certified Planners, November 2018
Timeline
Director, Special Projects
Department of Planning and Development, City of Providence, RI
09.2022 - 02.2026
Planner & Principal Planner
Department of Planning and Development, City of Providence, RI
09.2017 - 09.2022
Economic Development Coordinator/CDBG Program Manager
Department of Community Development, Town of Bristol, RI
09.2015 - 09.2017
Masters Degree - Urban and Regional Planning
Ball State University
Bachelor of Science - Sustainable Development
Appalachian State University