The UDP Professionals Council
The UDP Professionals Council (PC) is a volunteer group of planners in the greater Seattle region who mentor students, primarily in the Master of Urban Planning (MUP) program. Each first-year MUP student is paired with a PC member based on shared interests. Mentors help students network, identify internships, provide career advice, and more.
In addition to one-on-one mentoring, the PC organizes events throughout the year, including studio tours, speaking panels featuring prominent planners, social events, and a thesis celebration at the end of the academic year. The PC plays a key role in helping students transition from classroom to career.
The results speak for themselves: in a recent survey, nearly 90% of alumni respondents reported securing a planning-related job within one year of graduation. The Professionals Council is a unique resource among planning programs and is recognized by the Planning Accreditation Board as a national model.
UDP Professionals Council Funds
The Professionals Council has established two funds to support MUP students and their professional growth:
This fellowship supports the recruitment and success of MUP students from diverse backgrounds, with preference given to those who are first-generation college students, have experience overcoming adversity, or demonstrate a commitment to DEI. Learn more about the equity fellowship.
Donate to the equity fellowship
UDP Professionals Council Endowment
This fund provides ongoing support for UDP students and their professional development. Example expenditures include mentorship activities, travel, networking, and educational events for students, professionals, and alumni.
Professionals Council Events
The Professionals Council hosts a variety of events each year, offering students opportunities to connect with their mentors and build professional networks. Events range from neighborhood tours and office visits to resume clinics and networking sessions.
While many events are designed specifically for MUP students, the Council also organizes a quarterly lecture series that is open to the broader community.
Meet Your UDP Professionals Council
Ben Bakkenta
Director of Regional Planning
Regional long-range growth and transportation planning, transit-oriented development, equitable development.
David Blum, AICP
President, Montgomery Gulf Corp
Affordable housing development, economic development.
Steve Butler, FAICP
Planning & Policy Manager, MRSC (Municipal Research & Services Center)
Land use planning, comprehensive planning, innovative development regulations, affordable housing techniques, urban design, engaging youth in the planning process, development review
Michael Chen
Associate Principal | Land Use Planning, Mackenzie
Land use planning.
Marty Curry, AICP
UW Affiliate Faculty, and Curry Consulting
Infrastructure planning; community engagement; collaborative planning; systems approach.
Nancy Eklund
Long Range Planning Manager, City of Tukwila
Comprehensive planning, long range, policy.
Anne Fritzel
Housing Programs Manager, WA State Dept. of Commerce
GMA, short course, housing.
Lisa Grueter, AICP
Principal, BERK Consulting, Inc.
Land use and environmental planning.
Katy Haima
Erika Harris
Senior Planner, PSRC
Environmental planning, regional planning, SEPA
Jess Harris
Green Building Program Manager, City of Seattle
Green building, sustainability, permitting and entitlements
Paul Inghram, FAICP
Growth Management Program Director, Puget Sound Regional Council
Regional planning, comprehensive planning, housing, environment, development, economics.
Mike Katterman
Community Development Director, City of Bellevue
Comprehensive planning, affordable housing, economic development, transportation.
Rick Krochalis, AICP
Former Regional Administrator, Federal Transit Administration (retired)
Transit oriented development, transportation planning, land use regulations, governance.
Doug Larson
Land use policy and economics, real estate.
Denise Lathrop
Community Development Director, City of Des Moines
Public policy focused around land use, transportation, food systems and environmental issues; urban design; city planning and community engagement.
Rebeccah Maskin
King County Demographer
Long-range planning, regional planning, county planning, GMA, data analysis, GIS.
Rachel Miller
Senior Associate – Planner/Urban Designer, Makers LLC
Urban Design
Christopher Ndifon
Land Use Planner, City of Seattle
Land Use
Ike Nwankwo
Formerly with Department of Commerce (retired)
Growth Management, housing.
Miranda Redinger
Senior Planner, City of Shoreline
Light Rail High Capacity Transit and Station Area Planning
Jesse Reynolds, AICP CFM
Principal Subarea Planner
Subarea and Comprehensive Planning, Spatial Planning, Hazard Mitigation, Community Engagement
Mandi Roberts, AICP. RLA
Katie Sheehy
Strategic Advisor, Seattle Office of Planning & Community Development
Community planning in Seattle’s neighborhoods, racial equity in urban planning and local government; neighborhood walking tours; building connections with planners in other parts of the country.
Janet Shull
Strategic Planning Manager, City of Bellevue
Urban design, sustainability, neighborhood/subarea planning, TOD.
Karen Wolf, FAICP
Former Senior Policy Analyst, UW (retired)
Comprehensive planning; regional planning; American Planning Association.
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Updated: October 2024