Nicolas Prefontaine
Lansing
Summary
Dedicated specialist with expertise in urban planning and community engagement. Known for effective stakeholder communication, project management, and team collaboration to advance community development goals and enhance city initiatives.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Community and Economic Development Specialist
City of East Lansing
East Lansing, MI
11.2025 - Current
- Administer the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, including compliance, environmental reviews, public hearings, IDIS reporting, and federal grant management.
- Coordinated infrastructure and redevelopment projects in partnership with engineering, planning, finance, and public works staff.
- Supported Downtown Management Board operations, special events, placemaking initiatives, and business engagement efforts.
- Manage procurement, contracts, accounts payable, and project budgets for community development and downtown programs.
- Prepare reports, agenda items, presentations, and recommendations for City Council, boards, and commissions.
- Serve as staff liaison for economic development initiatives, business retention efforts, and redevelopment projects.
- Coordinated public engagement activities and stakeholder outreach related to housing, infrastructure, and community development programs.
Student Research Assistant
Michigan State University Center for Community & Economic Development
Lansing, MI
01.2025 - 08.2025
- Conducted research supporting economic development and entrepreneurship initiatives in underserved Michigan communities.
- Assisted with planning and redevelopment projects focused on community resilience and economic growth.
- Analyzed demographic, economic, and land-use data to support community development strategies.
Chair
University Student Commission, City of East Lansing
East Lansing, MI
10.2023 - 05.2025
- Led strategic planning sessions for student initiatives, fostering collaboration among diverse groups.
- Coordinated events and programs to enhance student engagement and community involvement.
- Developed policies and procedures to improve operational efficiency within the commission.
- Mentored new members, providing guidance on effective committee functioning and leadership skills.
- Provided leadership and policy recommendations on issues affecting university students and the broader East Lansing community.
- Collaborated with City boards, commissions, and elected officials.
Election Intern
East Lansing City Clerk's Office
East Lansing, MI
10.2024 - 01.2025
- Assisted with election administration, voter registration processing, and election equipment testing.
- Supported records management and daily administrative operations.
- Supported election preparation activities, ensuring compliance with local regulations and procedures.
- Participated in community outreach initiatives to enhance civic engagement and awareness.
Political Canvasser
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters
Michigan
06.2024 - 11.2024
- Engaged with community members to promote labor rights and union benefits.
- Conducted door-to-door canvassing to gather public support for legislative initiatives.
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with constituents to encourage ongoing dialogue.
- Collaborated with team members to strategize outreach efforts and maximize impact.
- Host events for campaign
Legislative Page
Michigan House Of Representatives
Lansing, MI
01.2024 - 08.2024
- Supported House operations, committee meetings, and constituent services.
- Assisted legislative staff with communications, scheduling, and administrative tasks.
- Facilitated communication between constituents and legislators, addressing inquiries and concerns promptly.
- Provided administrative support during sessions, including note-taking and tracking amendments effectively.
- Collaborated effectively with fellow Pages to ensure seamless execution of assigned tasks throughout each legislative session.
- Increased office efficiency through proficient management of office supplies inventory and equipment maintenance schedules.
Lead Student Organizer
College Election Engagement Project
Grand Rapids, MI
09.2019 - 05.2020
- Developed and implemented voter registration drives to engage students in local elections.
- Coordinated informational workshops on civic engagement and voting procedures for student organizations.
- Collaborated with campus groups to promote awareness of election-related events and initiatives.
- Facilitated training sessions for volunteers on effective outreach strategies and communication techniques.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Urban And Regional Planning
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI05-2025
Skills
- Microsoft Office
- ArcGIS Pro
- Sketchup
- SurveyMonkey, Survey123, Qualtrics
- BSA
- Site selection
- Workforce development
- Land use planning
- Infrastructure planning
- Urban planning
- Economic analysis
- Public-private partnerships
- Business attraction
- Tax incentive analysis
- Investment promotion
- Budgeting and reporting
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Attention to detail
- Problem-solving abilities
- Multitasking
- Reliability
- Excellent communication
- Stakeholder engagement
- Public speaking
- Strategic planning
Certification
- National Charrette Institute Certified
Timeline
Community and Economic Development Specialist
City of East Lansing
11.2025 - Current
Student Research Assistant
Michigan State University Center for Community & Economic Development
01.2025 - 08.2025
Election Intern
East Lansing City Clerk's Office
10.2024 - 01.2025
Political Canvasser
Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters
06.2024 - 11.2024
Legislative Page
Michigan House Of Representatives
01.2024 - 08.2024
Chair
University Student Commission, City of East Lansing
10.2023 - 05.2025
Lead Student Organizer
College Election Engagement Project
09.2019 - 05.2020
Bachelor of Science - Urban And Regional Planning
Michigan State University