Spotlight on Leta Rowan: A Heart for Sustainable Community Development & City Planning

Leta Rowan, a recent graduate of the University of Memphis Graduate School, is making significant strides in the field of city and regional planning. Originally from Olive Branch, MS, and now residing in New York, Leta graduated in May 2024 with a Master’s in City & Regional Planning. Before enrolling at UofM, she earned a B.A. in International Studies from the Croft Institute for International Studies at the University of Mississippi.

Researching the equity issue of extreme heat in Memphis

Building on her undergraduate studies in environmental activism, Leta's graduate research at UofM centered on community and economic development with a focus on environmental justice and climate resilience. Her capstone project, “Green Infrastructure for Urban Heat: A Nature-Based Solution for Memphis, TN,” aimed to address extreme heat as an equity issue by exploring green infrastructure as an urban heat mitigation tool.

Noteworthy Accomplishments

Leta's dedication to her field earned her the University of Memphis American Planning Association Most Outstanding Student award. Her capstone project placed 2nd at the MAGIC Geospatial Student Showcase and she has been invited to present at the Sustainable Development Solutions Network’s 12th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development. Additionally, Leta contributed significantly to the Memphis & Shelby County Office of Sustainability & Resilience Mid-South Climate Action Plan by conducting geospatial analysis and authoring a chapter on climate change impacts in the Mid-South.

Why Community Development & City Planning

Leta's interest in community development and city planning stems from her undergraduate preparations for a career in public service and her time as a Peace Corps Volunteer. Realizing the importance of local-level sustainable development, she found city planning to be the perfect blend of sociology, environmental health, and community service. Her interest in city planning was further ignited by her love for community events, such as Puppypalooza at Crosstown Concourse, which epitomized the communal spirit she values.

She pursued a higher degree in city planning to significantly impact community development and climate initiatives. Focusing on urban environmentalism, climate justice research, and equitable community engagement strategies, her classroom studies laid the groundwork for her role as an urban planner. It was in the field, during charrettes, site visits, and community visioning processes, where she brought these concepts to life. Through hands-on experience and trial and error, she honed her ability to communicate with residents and address community needs effectively.

Fellowship with the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC)

During her fellowship with the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC), Leta managed the relocation incentive program and assisted the workforce development team, gaining invaluable hands-on experience in community development.

Working with the Office of Sustainability and Resilience as a Grad Student

During her time at the Office of Sustainability and Resilience, Leta Rowan focused on various climate projects across Memphis, Shelby County, and the broader Mid-South. Her major contribution was crafting the “Climate Impacts” chapter for the Mid-South Climate Action Plan, aimed at guiding the region toward a low-carbon economy. She emphasized the importance of considering climate change's impact on vulnerable communities, and collaborating with stakeholders from 19 jurisdictions. Leta collected, analyzed, and visually presented climate justice data, particularly highlighting its effects on low-income and disadvantaged communities in the Mid-South. Additionally, she co-authored a report on the land use impacts of utility-scale solar farms, aiming to influence county-level zoning for a swift transition to zero-emission energy sources, addressing potential environmental impacts.

Her Education Equipped Her to Succeed

Leta’s academic studies at UofM equipped her with essential skills and knowledge, particularly in software like ArcGIS Pro and Adobe Photoshop, which she utilized in her climate resilience projects. Her classroom learning was effectively translated into practical applications through her internships, particularly in community outreach and climate data analysis. For her internship with OSR, because she intentionally pursued climate topics in her coursework, she was sufficiently prepared to retrieve, analyze, and describe technical climate data in reports accessible for communities across the MSA.

Future Plans

Leta is passionate about advancing climate resilience through community and economic development. With her strong foundation in environmental justice initiatives, she aims to contribute to swift and effective climate solutions.

Influential Professors

Leta credits her well-rounded education to the unique experiences and perspectives of UofM’s MCRP faculty, including Dr. Ashtari’s innovative and radical community engagement strategies class called “Digital Storytelling for Humane Urbanism”, Dr. Santo’s ethical approach to theoretical economics in his “Planning for the Metro Economy” class, and Dr. Diko’s exceptional guidance as her capstone advisor.