We are excited to shine the spotlight on the many talented interns we have in our office. Enjoy learning more about them, and what drives their work at OPCD. Read our previous spotlights on Megan Rose and Harriet Wright.
Originally from southern Georgia, Sarah lives in Seattle by way of Atlanta, joining our planner Nick Welch to launch the Partnership for ADU Development (PAD) project, an innovative new program that aims to support low- to moderate-income homeowners complete infill development projects on their land. Sarah is no stranger to this work, however, as she has over 20 years of experience in commercial real estate and technology.
I decided to go back to school to deepen my expertise in land use, housing policy, and historic preservation and hope to use this broad range of perspectives to create wonderfully livable cities. I also hope to use my experience and education to teach the next generation of real estate and planning professionals.
She recently graduated from the University of Washington, earning her Master of Urban Planning degree, and receiving an Urban Design and Planning Outstanding MUP Student Award for “High scholarship, leadership qualities, and promise of success as a professional planner”.
The PAD program is designed to break down financial, technical, and structural barriers for those looking to improve or expanding their property. Sarah is excited about the prospect of helping those who face these barriers to be able to unlock the development potential of their land. As her first foray into the public realm of real estate development, Sarah has witnessed the amount of thought and consideration that goes into selecting partners and consultants, and its importance to better outcomes.
I firmly believe that infill development like ADUs can create opportunities for building community and cultural cohesion, especially in marginalized neighborhoods. In fact, that is what I did my thesis on! Seattle needs 112,000 new homes by 2044 to meet rising demand, and people who currently own a single-family home now have a huge opportunity to capitalize on recent upzoning measures by completing infill development on their land. But the ability to do this is not equally shared by all homeowners. Those who lack the resources and capacity to begin a development project may be left behind or displaced. My work helps to ensure that all homeowners, regardless of their background or income, have a chance to build on their land – and Seattle will reap the rewards in the form of increased housing supply!
Sarah’s hobbies include outdoor activities such as snowboarding and rock climbing. Her other talents include crafts and being a handy person around the house, being able to fix anything that gets broken in her home, which she shares with her husband Derek, and dog Zuko. She says her handy trait was passed down from her dad.
My dad has always inspired me. He went back to dental school with two young children so I learned a serious work ethic from him. As he’s moved toward retirement, I love how he’s gotten more and more involved with his community in several organizations.