From Environmental Science to Senior Planner: Isaac Robles’ Path in Public Service
- Catherine Huckaby
- Jun 19, 2024
- 6 min read
Updated: Feb 27
Editor's Note: This interview was conducted while Isaac Robles was serving as a Senior Planner with the FWLab at the City of Fort Worth, Texas. He has since taken on the role of Sr. Data Analytics Consultant (Police/Fire) with the Matrix Consulting Group.
Don't let him fool you! Working for one of the largest cities in the United States isn't as easy as Isaac Robles makes it seem. It requires more than just a strong work ethic and a commitment to lifelong learning. Those who excel in public service careers must also remain calm under pressure, maintain professionalism, and work every day to earn and keep the public's trust.
Watching him develop and master these skills at the City of Fort Worth has been inspiring. He is a positive example for anyone unsure of the effort it takes behind the scenes to build a successful career in local government. Through his previous role with the Fort Worth Police Department and now with the FWLab—the city's reimagined planning, data analysis, and research department—Isaac has been working to hone these crucial abilities. If you follow him on LinkedIn, you'll also notice that he's constantly seeking out new ways to step up his game or learn from others!
In this post, he shares his insights into his decision to forge a career in public service, emphasizing the critical roles of communication and community engagement in this vital field. He starts by reflecting on how his motivations are deeply rooted in a legacy of service instilled in him at home.
Instilling Values: The Role of Family in His Commitment to Service
His dedication to serving others was firmly established during his upbringing. His mother, a dedicated volunteer, taught him the value of service from a young age while providing him with some of his most cherished memories of serving alongside her.
"Growing up, I was fortunate to have a mom who had a servant's attitude. She raised me and my sister to serve, saying, 'You're going to come with me and we're going to do X, Y, and Z with the community.' That was just a part of how we were raised."
He fondly recalls the impact of volunteering with his mother for Meals on Wheels, an experience that shaped his perspective on service and community involvement. "When she explained to me what the mission of Meals on Wheels was- going to the kitchen, picking up food, helping her drive her route, and meeting the individuals who were in need—that hit hard. Kids think they have better things to do on a Saturday afternoon, but it was enjoyment and spending time with my mom, but then it finally clicked—that service attitude and that helpfulness."
Discovering GIS: A Class That Changed His Career Path
Isaac's career in local government began almost by accident. Initially aspiring to save the world through environmental science, his path took an unexpected turn during his undergraduate studies. "My undergraduate degree is in coastal resource management, and I wanted to go work for an oil rig and write policies about how to protect the environment," he recalled.
"While in college, I took a class in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and I fell in love with it. Then the extra classes for my degrees were all focused on city planning. When I took the first one, I had no idea what city planning was. Nobody I knew understood what city planning was, but I thought it was cool."
This newfound interest led him to switch to a master's in city planning, setting the stage for his career in local government. An unpaid internship with the Office of Emergency Management (OEM) in Arlington, Texas, solidified his commitment to this field.
Proud Achievements: The Fort Worth PD Strategic Plan
One of his proudest professional achievements is his work on the Fort Worth Police Department's FY2023-2027 Strategic Plan. His passion for community involvement and comprehensive planning is evident in his reflections on this project.
"From the moment I was hired to work for the Fort Worth Police Department, I wanted to write their strategic plan. When I started, they already had one, so I took on the implementation side of it. But after that, all I wanted was to write a new one."
Isaac's dedication to inclusive planning and communication was crucial to the project's success.
"You cannot do it through just one lens. You must be open to every criticism. Because if you are not listening, then you are not incorporating the right pieces, and you cannot move forward."
Although he moved to a new position before the plan was finalized, he remains proud of the groundwork he laid. "That plan is something I can look back on and be proud of when I look back at the document. I am excited to see how the team moves forward and how the department implements our work."
Developing Effective Communication Skills for Public Service
Isaac has learned that effective communication is essential for public service, emphasizing its importance for those working with the community.
"I think having effective communication skills is one of the most important things anyone wanting to work with the community should work on. We communicate with our loved ones and friends, but when you communicate with a community member, that takes a specific type of skill set."
He believes these skills can be developed by observing and shadowing those proficient in community engagement.
"The more you see it being done well, the more you will understand how to communicate and handle yourself in certain situations. It is a learned skill."
By observing others in action and looking for opportunities to practice these skills, he feels we can learn to interact thoughtfully and effectively with community members. This approach also fosters stronger, more meaningful connections and builds trusting relationships with the communities we serve.
Evolving Strategies: A Journey in Community Engagement
Over the last decade, his approach to community engagement has undergone a significant transformation, shaped by his diverse experiences across different city departments.
Reflecting on this evolution, Isaac shared, "My definition has changed from my previous experience working in the Fort Worth Police Department. Now that I am in the FWLab, I see community engagement as reaching out to a group of people that you want to listen to or who want to listen to you. That means increasing communication between you and the residents."
He emphasizes the dual importance of active listening and clear, accessible communication.
"At the city's FWLab, I am relearning how to communicate with residents who are unaware of city policies, processes, or comprehensive planning. I can sit here and talk about city planning all day internally, but I must also figure out how to explain our processes to community members in a way that feels comfortable to them."
This shift highlights his commitment to bridging the gap between complex municipal procedures and the everyday concerns of community members, ensuring that everyone feels heard and understood.
A Career Built on Communication and Community Connection
Isaac Robles' path reminds us that careers in public service aren't just about technical skills—they're about building bridges between government and the people it serves. By listening actively and explaining complex processes in accessible ways, he's helping create a more transparent, responsive local government that truly meets community needs.
What stands out most in Isaac's approach is his willingness to evolve and learn. Whether it is taking on new challenges like strategic planning or adapting his communication style to reach different audiences, Isaac embodies the growth mindset needed to thrive in public service today.
For those inspired by Isaac's path, remember that great public servants start with genuine care for the communities they serve—something Isaac learned first through those meaningful Meals on Wheels deliveries with his mother. As cities face increasingly complex challenges, professionals who combine technical expertise with authentic community connections will continue to lead the way in building more inclusive, responsive local governments.
Resources and Organizations in Isaac's Journey
Throughout his career development, Isaac has connected with several important organizations that have shaped his professional path:
The FWLab (City of Fort Worth) is an initiative by the City of Fort Worth focused on improving government operations through data analysis and exploration. It supports the city's vision to become the most livable and best-managed city in the country and plays a role in budget planning and financial discussions.
The Matrix Consulting Group specializes in public sector consulting and provides analysis and strategic recommendations to enhance efficiency in government agencies, law enforcement, and municipal operations.
The American Planning Association (APA) is a professional organization representing urban planners in the United States, formed in 1978 through the merger of two planning organizations. It serves as a forum for idea exchange, publishes the Journal of the American Planning Association, and holds an annual National Planning Conference.
Geographic Information Systems (GIS) help organizations analyze and visualize spatial data, improving decision-making in fields like urban planning, public safety, and environmental management.
Meals on Wheels is a nationwide program that delivers nutritious meals to seniors and individuals with disabilities. Meals on Wheels also offers social connections and safety checks to promote well-being and independence.
