Land Use & Community Development Specialist
University of Wisconsin-River Falls - Plant & Earth Science Department | University of Madison-Division of Extension - Community Development Institute
Hometown: Spring Valley, MN
Todd has a diverse background that includes architecture, technical theatre, public art, education, urban design, and planning. Prior to his work with the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, he worked as a regional planner, an urban designer, a theatrical technical director, designer and lecturer, an architectural designer and construction manager, and served as a county educator with the University of Wisconsin-Grant County. For over 20 years, Todd has coordinated and participated in multi-disciplinary community design charrettes in Minnesota and Wisconsin. His current role as Land Use + Community Development Specialist enables him to co-lead the University of Wisconsin-Extension’s Community Vitality + Placemaking research team in which he has been able to continue his work with community design charrettes and placemaking research. In addition, Todd convenes the University of Wisconsin-Extension Housing Research Group as part of an ongoing mission to help communities understand and address their unique housing issues and opportunities. Todd also teaches classes in sustainability and the built environment as part of the University of Wisconsin Extended Campus.
Talks:
Creating a Shared Vision for Positive Community Change
Identifying and addressing community issues is complicated, exhausting, and sometimes volatile. The University of Wisconsin-Madison, Division of Extension works with communities across the state to help them discover and realize their vision of the future.
Empowering Youth to Transform Communities
When we empower our youth to take a leadership role in community development, communities gain perspective, make better decisions, take action, and grow leadership.