Natalie

Natalie Lavenstein Picture
she, her

Academic Background:

  • Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning
  • First Year
  • Focus Areas: Land use, land access and anti-displacement, climate resilience, and environmental justice.

Relevant Tools & Skills:

Community engagement and facilitation, relationship-building, land use planning, project management, public speaking, policy analysis, survey design and analysis, research translation, feasibility studies.

Interest Areas:

  • Environmental Justice & Sustainability Transportation Equity & Built Environment
  • Housing Justice & Anti-Displacement
  • Immigrant & Refugee Rights
  • Economic Justice

Where I Call Home:

I was born in Alaska and raised in Chicago, which gave me a deep appreciation for both wild landscapes and vibrant urban communities. I later moved to Utah for college, where I studied environmental and sustainability issues and spent lots of time exploring the mountains and desert. After graduating, I found my way back to the Midwest—drawn by a love for the North Shore and a desire to be part of a region that is central to building a climate-resilient future. I lived in Duluth for a couple of years and now call Minneapolis home while I pursue a masters in Urban and Regional planning.

Areas I’m Hoping to Grow:

Data visualization, GIS, advanced data, and statistical analysis.

Values That Shape My Work:

In my experience, building trust takes time, and I’ve learned to take the "go slow to go fast" approach in collaborative work. Meaningful collaboration goes beyond token involvement—it’s about creating authentic spaces where all stakeholders are active participants. It involves deep listening, co-creating strategies, and adjusting based on feedback. Everyone brings valuable expertise, whether through lived experience or professional knowledge, and it’s crucial that these voices are integral to the collaborative process from the start.

A Meaningful Meal or Tradition:

My favorite meal would be served family-style on a gorgeous wood table in our backyard on a sunny summer evening, surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors. The air is warm, and there's a soft breeze as we share laughter and stories. We’re enjoying fresh pasta, made with tomatoes and herbs from the garden—simple yet delicious.