21.7 Levin Graduates Lead: Joyce Pan Huang (City Planner)

Urban planners help tackle big issues like climate change, growing populations, and spreading cities. They come up with ways to make cities more resilient and sustainable, promoting practices that are good for the environment and people. For example, they might plan for more parks, better public transportation, and energy-saving buildings. By focusing on smart growth, urban planners create communities that are ready for the future. A career in urban planning is exciting and important, giving professionals the chance to shape the places where people live and work.

Joyce Pan Huang, an alum of the Levin College of Urban Affairs, has made significant strides in the field of urban planning and development. Currently serving as the Director of City Planning for the City of Cleveland, Huang’s career is marked by her dedication to creating vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive urban environments. Her educational background at Levin provided her with a robust foundation in urban affairs, preparing her to tackle complex planning challenges and drive meaningful change in her community.

Before her appointment as the Director of City Planning, Huang made a notable impact as the Vice President of Community Development at MidTown Cleveland Inc. In this role, she was instrumental in spearheading numerous development projects that revitalized the MidTown area, fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life for residents. Her work involved close collaboration with community stakeholders, businesses, and government entities, reflecting her ability to build consensus and drive forward-thinking urban initiatives.

In January 2022, Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb recognized Huang’s exceptional contributions to urban planning and appointed her as the city’s new planning director. In this role, Huang is responsible for overseeing the city’s planning strategies, including land use, zoning, and urban design. Her vision for Cleveland includes promoting equity, sustainability, and innovation in city planning. Huang’s leadership is pivotal in guiding Cleveland’s growth and development, ensuring that the city evolves in a way that benefits all its residents.

Reference

Litt, Steven. 2022. “Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb Taps Joyce Huang of MidTown Cleveland Inc. to Become New City Planning Director.” Cleveland Plain Dealer, Jan 20.