Lucas Nelsen
City of Lincoln
Belmont,MI
14
years of professional experience
Policy and community engagement professional with strong analytical skills and strategic mindset, prepared to address complex policy issues. Known for effective collaboration and adaptability in dynamic environments, consistently delivering results. Expertise in policy analysis and stakeholder engagement. Reliable team player with focus on achieving impactful outcomes.
Work History
Community Engagement Specialist
1 Year 3 Months- Review proposed project scopes and locations to identify potential impacts and stakeholders that should be included in community engagement.
- Create information materials regarding projects including postcards, fact sheets, and presentations.
- Direct consultants on production of engagement materials to ensure accuracy and compliance with requirements related to funding.
- Collaborate with project team to craft responses to concerns from community members.
Energy Policy Manager
1 Year 2 Months- Developed project work plans and directed staff to achieve deliverables as part of the energy policy portfolio.
- Directed a team of six policy associates to meet deliverables, providing strategic guidance on energy policy tasks.
- Led research and communications strategy for the energy portfolio.
- Reviewed policy and engagement materials for content accuracy and aligned messaging strategy with policy priorities.
- Hosted a state clean energy and climate advocate coalition consisting of 30 regular members.
Public Involvement Specialist
3 Years 1 Month- Tracked progress of state and local roads projects across four transportation districts.
- Assessed public involvement to comply with Federal Highway Administration requirements.
- Evaluated project scopes to identify impacted stakeholders and ensure interested parties are included in outreach efforts.
- Ensured required public involvement was completed within set project schedules.
- Compiled comments from stakeholders and coordinated with the project team to draft responses or answer inquiries.
Senior Energy Policy Associate
8 Years 3 Months- Researched and analyzed policy related to renewable energy development and the siting of energy systems at the federal, regional, state, and local level.
- Authored white papers, fact sheets, and other information resources for policymakers and stakeholders.
- Coordinated two statewide coalitions of organizations focused on renewable energy and environmental policy.
- Identified grant opportunities and authored grant proposals for funders
- Reported on deliverables to funders by compiling updates and final reports for funders.
- Tracked legislative and zoning policy impacting clean energy development across the Midwest and Great Plains.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Political Science
Skills
Nonprofit experience
Policy advocacy
Coalition management
Concept simplification
Relationship building skills
Public speaking
Concept translation
Meeting coordination
Certificates and Honors
- Midwest Energy News 40 Under 40 Award Recipient - 2019
- RE-AMP Network Grant Committee - 2019-2020
- RE-AMP Network Steering Committee - 2020-2021
- National Environmental Policy Act Compliance Certification - 2022
- International Association for Public Participation Certification - 2022
Timeline
Community Engagement Specialist
City of Lincoln
06.2025 - CurrentRead More
Energy Policy Manager
Center for Rural Affairs
04.2024 - 06.2025Read More
Public Involvement Specialist
Nebraska Department of Transportation
03.2021 - 04.2024Read More
Senior Energy Policy Associate
Center for Rural Affairs
12.2012 - 03.2021Read More
Wayne State College
Bachelor of Science from Political Science
Read More