Growing up in Detroit’s Morningside neighborhood on the east side helped to shape Clarinda’s philosophy on the relationship between space and community. She is a master urban planner who specializes in economic and workforce development, with a slant towards equity-building. Her body of work in the City of Detroit and region includes building pathways for families to achieve sustained economic mobility.

Education

Master of Urban Planning with a concentration Economic Development and Graduate Certificate in Economic Development - Wayne State University

Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a concentration in Economics, Management and Psychology - University of Michigan

Personal Why Statement

Human beings are essential to creating space but are often left out of the conversation – especially if they are not considered essential contributors. My intention is to elevate the lived-experience expertise of under-represented groups as critical input to influence the future of land use and urban design.

Building thriving communities is a passion for Ritchie. He grew up in Detroit but has also lived in the southern US and east coast. These experiences have shaped an appreciation for various types of communities and spaces. His expertise is community and economic development with a focus on building healthy, sustainable, and multigenerational neighborhoods. His body of work includes large-scale community planning, parks, and greenspace, as well as place-strengthening.

Education

Master of Community Development with a concentration in Economic Development - University of Detroit-Mercy

Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning and Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Eastern Michigan University

Personal Why Statement

My intention is to foster leadership that transforms conceptions of planning and community development to create the kinds of communities that enable all people to thrive and flourish.