Make Little (Sub-Area) Plans

Jay Renkens (AICP) is a planning and design leader with national experience in downtowns, transit-oriented development, streetscapes, land use, and higher education. While researching health and motivational theory, he was struck by the significant influence that the environment has on people’s choices and behavior, and he has sought to shape … Read More

Jay Renkens (AICP) is a planning and design leader with national experience in downtowns, transit-oriented development, streetscapes, land use, and higher education. While researching health and motivational theory, he was struck by the significant influence that the environment has on people’s choices and behavior, and he has sought to shape environments for the better ever since. Although his original studies are behind him, they still form the lens that Jay uses in taking a holistic approach to optimizing social, economic, and physical wellness for the greatest number of people. He strives to integrate equity into planning and design and to address the unintended consequences of gentrification such as displacement and the losses of culture and authenticity. Jay can distill concepts and articulate complex ideas in written, verbal, and visual communications that provide a common foundation for decision-making. He has successfully led projects from high-level vision to implementation by facilitating client, community, and stakeholder collaboration, consensus, and engagement. Jay’s management, design, and planning skills have contributed to transformational change in communities throughout the country from Boston to San Antonio, Portland to Charlotte, and Spokane to Denver. Read Less

Channary Gould is currently a Planning Coordinator and has been with the City of San Antonio's Planning Department for close to 5 years. Prior to relocating to Texas, she served as a Real Estate Development Manager for the County of Orange's Executive Office where her primary role was to manage … Read More

Channary Gould is currently a Planning Coordinator and has been with the City of San Antonio's Planning Department for close to 5 years. Prior to relocating to Texas, she served as a Real Estate Development Manager for the County of Orange's Executive Office where her primary role was to manage projects that leveraged the County's real estate assets to generate revenue. Prior to that role, she served as the Manager of Current and Environmental Planning for the County of Orange where she managed the processing and review of all current and environmental projects within the County's unincorporated areas. She started off her planning career in the private sector after she earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and Economics from University of California, Santa Barbara. While working as an Associate Planner for Hogle-Ireland (based in Irvine, CA), she earned her Master's in Urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona. She currently serves as the Director-Elect for the Southwest Section of Texas APA. Read Less

Marco Hinojosa is an urban planner at MIG, Inc. and is dedicated to empowering people to take part in planning and placemaking through inclusive engagement and education. Marco grew up in the suburbs, but trips to Mexico revealed what cities could be—with groceries within walking distance and various transportation and … Read More

Marco Hinojosa is an urban planner at MIG, Inc. and is dedicated to empowering people to take part in planning and placemaking through inclusive engagement and education. Marco grew up in the suburbs, but trips to Mexico revealed what cities could be—with groceries within walking distance and various transportation and housing options within mixed-use neighborhoods. His experience in public-sector development and transportation offers a nuanced understanding of a range of issues associated with making cities better for everyone. He is active in the American Planning Association, serving as Treasurer for the Latinos and Planning Division of the national organization. Read Less

Andrea Villalobos is the Assistant Director of Planning at the City of San Marcos and has held various roles in the department for almost nine years. In her current role she manages long-range planning efforts in the city including the city’s Comprehensive Plan Rewrite, known as Vision SMTX, the Downtown … Read More

Andrea Villalobos is the Assistant Director of Planning at the City of San Marcos and has held various roles in the department for almost nine years. In her current role she manages long-range planning efforts in the city including the city’s Comprehensive Plan Rewrite, known as Vision SMTX, the Downtown Plan, various Neighborhood and Regional Area Plans, and the Housing Action Plan. She also manages the Planning, GIS, and CDBG/Housing divisions within the planning department. Andrea works closely with community leaders, stakeholders, developers, and citizens on the many projects that shape policy for the future of San Marcos and particularly focuses on developing and implementing various engagement opportunities in the community to ensure inclusive and meaningful participation. She is a San Marcos native and received her bachelor and graduate degrees from Texas State University in San Marcos. Read Less