Thomas Dallessio

Dynamic and results-oriented planner and policy expert with extensive experience in navigating complex policy challenges. Proven track record of successfully driving policy initiatives and formulating strategic recommendations tailored for high-level stakeholders. Exceptional analytical abilities and strong communication skills facilitate the crafting and presentation of impactful policy solutions that resonate with diverse audiences. Committed to fostering collaborative environments that enhance decision-making and promote effective policy implementation.

• Co-Drafted the Garden State Preservation Trust Act and managed Governor Whitman's Million Acre State Agency Task Force
• Principal author of One Million Acres or Bust: A Quarter Century of Open Space, Farmland and Historic Preservation in New Jersey, N.J. Policy Lab
• Created the Plan4HealthNJ Environmental Health & Sustainability Toolkit for APA-NJ and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation to incorporate public health into municipal master plans
• Lead author of Resilient Musconetcong 2050 — the first watershed vision plan in New Jersey
• Co-authored APA-NJ’s draft 2024 N.J. Preliminary State Development and Redevelopment Plan
• Co-wrote the first and second N.J. State Development and Redevelopment Plans and worked with municipalities to designate centers for growth
• Led four nonprofit organizations and advocated policies to protect the environment, build affordable housing, enhance transit options, and promote beneficial development and distributed energy
• Collaborated with UN-Habitat to help draft The New Urban Agenda and advocated for stronger policies at COP21, Habitat III, IPCC
• Taught 7 seminars and 3 studios on Comprehensive Planning, Land Use Administration and Transportation at Rutgers University, and over two dozen courses at the New Jersey Institute of Technology

• American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), No. 6217
• N.J. Professional Planner (PP), License No. LI04726
• Certified Public Manager (CPM)
• Fellow, American Institute of Certified Planners (FAICP)
• Fellow, Royal Society for the Encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce (FRSA)
• Fellow, Leadership New Jersey

• American Planning Association-NJ Chapter, Vice President of Policy
• Budd Chavooshian Award-Outstanding Professional Planner, American Planning Association-NJ Chapter, 2021
• General Assembly of Partners (GAP), Media Co-Chair 2017-2020
• UN-Habitat, Habitat III Policy Unit 3: National Urban Policies Expert, 2015-17
• Rebuild by Design Competition, USHUD Research Advisory Group 2013-14
• Downtown New Jersey, Board of Directors, Executive Committee 2004-07
• New Jersey State Planning Commission, Governor’s Appointee 2000-01
• Candidate, New Jersey General Assembly, 15th District, 2001
• Hopewell Borough Council 1994-2002, Council President 2000-2002; Elected 1994, 1996, 1999
• Rutgers University Board of Trustees 1997-2003
• Rutgers Alumni Association, President 1996-97; Bloustein School Alumni Association, President 1994-96