Our Team

Urban Phoenix Project is run entirely by volunteers. Our board members reside not only in the downtown area, but throughout the city. Each is passionate about advancing urbanism in Phoenix and making this a better place to live.

  • Nicole, a longtime UPP supporter and two-time board member, has a varied background in urban planning, urban forestry and sustainability. She came to the Valley about 20 years ago without a vehicle, experiencing the bus system in the summer heat. She struggled with the economic hardships of vehicle ownership, and for some years now she and her family have biked, bused, and walked just about everywhere. Nicole has received multiple awards for her community advocacy. She also serves as a board member for Trellis, Trees Matter and the Arizona Neighborhood Project, and as the vice chair for the City of Phoenix Encanto Village Planning Committee.

  • Kristin brings 15 years of experience in marketing, communications, social media, and photography. Residing in east Phoenix, she is particularly passionate about bikes and e-bikes as a way to get around the city, and would also love to see enhancements to transit to allow for greater connectivity.

  • With seven years of experience in finance, Denis brings a unique blend of expertise in video production, communication, and networking to this role. He is deeply committed to transparency and financial stewardship and is passionate about fostering growth and connection within our community.

  • A homeowner and public school parent in central Phoenix, Nicole decided long ago that planning for sustainability is crucial for future generations. Community building is a key part of this work, and that's why she founded the Creighton Academy Parent Teacher Organization and is currently running for Creighton Elementary School District Governing Board. In addition to her passion for community building, Nicole has a strong background in public relations, administration, and board leadership. Through her work, Nicole endeavors to improve the quality of life for folks living in the Valley.

  • Steven brings a background in economics, policy, and public administration. Through this work, he has developed an interest in building a vibrant and inclusive city that thrives on diversity and connection. He works to address inequities in our urban communities, from land use to walkability and public transportation.

  • A lifelong Phoenician, Joe brings more than a decade's worth of experience in communication, graphic design, and digital marketing to UPP. He is passionate about pedestrian and cyclist safety, and hopes to make Phoenix a more connected and fulfilling community.

  • With his background working in government communications and as a legislative liaison, Ryan is well-versed in the ins and outs of city, county, and state government. He also serves on the City of Phoenix Planning Commission and the steering committee for Downtown Voices Coalition.

  • Jessica is a community leader who works to strengthen the assets that make a vibrant and healthy community. She is passionate about small business, public education and community development. After moving downtown in 2015, the signs of gentrification led Jessica to organize her neighborhood and raise awareness of the impacts headed their way. Outside of Urban Phoenix Project, she also serves as the president of the Oakland Neighborhood Association and has been on the City of Phoenix Homelessness Task Force since 2020.

  • Jamie is an urbanist, Downtown Phoenix resident and community builder. With a background in sustainability and urban planning, he advocates for more walkable, bikeable, and transit-oriented communities. He runs Urban Avenues, a platform dedicated to urbanist content. He is also a member of the Vision Zero Community Advisory Committee, working towards safer streets for all. Through his work, Jamie seeks to inspire positive change in urban planning and development across the Valley.

  • A Phoenician for over a decade, Alex brings years of experience in communications, digital marketing and social media. Moving to the Valley and living in Central Phoenix, Alex quickly saw the value that a cohesive, urban community can bring to its residents.

  • Matthew has a diverse background ranging from construction to cybersecurity and public policy. Regardless of his role, his focus has always been on solving problems and bringing people together by building stronger, safer, more connected communities.

  • Will is focused on helping to build walkable cities and a clean energy future. After working for a home builder, he helped start the Omaha Missing Middle Housing Campaign, an effort to support housing abundance. Will previously worked as a developer of wind, solar and battery storage, and was a professional organizer for the Sierra Club, focused on energy and climate policy. He graduated from Arizona State University with an undergraduate degree in Business and Sustainability with a minor in economics, along with a Master's in Real Estate Development.

Jessica Bueno image courtesy of Brent Whitting, Redline Designs