Urban and regional planners often work on projects that take years, or even decades, to be fully realized or appreciated by the community. This long timeline is simply the nature of the work they do. This would not be an ideal career for those requiring instant gratification or time in the spotlight, but for Julia Ryan, it has been the perfect choice.
When I met Julia in 2014, she was working as a city planner in Fort Worth, Texas. Community members valued her patience and respected the transparent, realistic approach she used when guiding them through the confusing processes of city planning.
As a peer, she was 'scary smart' without being intimidating, always willing to collaborate and highly approachable - an extremely valuable soft skill that everyone should work to develop.
At the time of our interview, Julia held the position of Chief Planning Officer and Director of Planning and Urban Design for the City of Dallas, Texas. We shared a laugh as we remembered her previous nickname in Fort Worth - "the bike lady." It was also a reminder of the significant time and effort she dedicated to helping establish protected bike lanes in one of the largest cities in the United States. For Julia, it was more than worth it!
"I've always wanted a career that helped people in some way. I've always been an idealist and believe that my life is only fulfilled if I am helping others."
Early Influences: Shaping Julia's Path as an Urban Planner
Julia's future career began to take shape when she left her small hometown to attend Iowa State University.
"I had a few internships and had the opportunity to work in the community, but being a precinct chair was my first chance to truly engage with the community. This involved setting up booths and connecting with people face-to-face, as well as going door-to-door. Those personal interactions are what I remember most."
These early experiences were crucial in helping to broaden her perspectives, exposing her to new environments, and expanding interactions with diverse communities. The hands-on nature of this work also helped spark her passion for community engagement.
Learning to Prioritize Authentic Community Engagement
While working as a planner in Fort Worth after college, Julia learned the importance of collaborating with the community and prioritizing authentic engagement instead of focusing solely on data collection or analysis.
"The community lives there, and they want to be authentically engaged and listened to. The community isn’t there to be a dataset in a plan or to check a box, so we need to stop focusing on data and just talk to the community."
Julia acknowledged that working with community members isn't always an easy process. Although it may be your job to move the needle forward on a project, neighbors have a personal stake in the changes being proposed.
"Community engagement is complex and can be challenging. It can be discouraging if you focus on the negative, but it's ultimately rewarding. Having a spirit of advocacy and empathy and refusing to give up is crucial."
She also cautioned new planners to understand that although building trust with the public takes time and effort, it is essential to building collaborative, trusting relationships. According to Julia, you'll know you're hitting the mark, "when you see neighbors engaged and excited about what the future looks like in their neighborhood."
Collaborating for Change: Reflections on Serving the City of Dallas
One particular project that stood out to Julia was her work with environmental advocates, state agencies, and neighborhood groups to develop new zoning standards in Dallas, Texas. This ambitious effort, carried out in the fourth-most populous metropolitan area in the United States, is an experience she will always remember.
"I would say working for the City of Dallas has been the single most impactful job I've ever had in my life. It was exciting, crazy, and filled with opportunity – it was all of that and more! Everybody says Dallas is crazy, and it's absolutely 100% true, but the staff, the city manager's office, and council members are some of the most passionate people that I've ever met, and they want what's best for the city. I am so happy I had the opportunity to serve."
Transitions: Tips for Letting Go and Moving On
Julia recently moved to Northwest Arkansas and is, "excited to be able to continue to serve the communities, even more now than ever, since I’ve moved to the private sector." She shared a few personal insights about how she's managed professional transitions throughout her career.
DO: Reflect on your Journey
"I once read something that said if you don't look back to see where you started, you're never going to know how far you've come. When I remember some of the conversations that I had when I first started surrounding transportation and just trying to fight about protected bike lanes, I realize how far I’ve come and the progress that I’ve been a part of. That helps me feel a little bit more grateful for the things I've accomplished."
DON'T: Take it Personally
"It’s hard when you leave an organization and new folks come in and take over who have no idea who you are or what you contributed while you were there. They may even think you did a terrible job. When you leave a position, either they're going to miss you or they're just going to completely ignore you. Things will change, for good or for bad, and you can’t take it personally."
Fulfilling Careers
Julia Ryan's remarkable journey demonstrates that meaningful change isn't about instant recognition but about persistent dedication and genuine human connection. Her story reminds us that transforming communities is a patient art - one that requires empathy, collaboration, and an unwavering belief in the power of collective vision.
From establishing protected bike lanes to developing innovative zoning standards, she has shown that urban planning is far more than technical processes. It's about listening - truly listening - to the people who call a place home. Her approach proves that when professionals prioritize authentic engagement over mere data collection, they don't just design spaces; they help create living, breathing communities where everyone feels heard and valued.
For aspiring change-makers in any field, her path offers these insights: stay curious, remain committed to your ideals, and never underestimate the impact of showing up with genuine compassion. Whether you're reimagining city infrastructure or working to improve your local neighborhood, remember that progress is a collaborative journey. Your passion, combined with a willingness to understand and serve others, can spark transformations that ripple far beyond what you might initially imagine.
In her own words, a fulfilling career is one that helps people - and her life stands as a testament to that profound truth.
Additional Resources
Urban and regional planners work with local governments, community groups, and developers to create comprehensive plans for land use and development. They also address environmental concerns, plan transportation systems, promote economic growth, engage with the public, and manage projects from start to finish.
The American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP) provides the only nationwide, independent verification of planners' qualifications. CLICK HERE to learn more about AICP or download a copy of their comprehensive guide about each step toward AICP Certification.