Laila Imihy, AICP

Experience

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  Pillsbury United Communities

  Sept 2016 - Jun 2017

  Project Manager - North Market

  In my time as an AmeriCorps Public Ally I served with North Market, a social enterprise of Pillsbury United Communities which brought fresh groceries to a federally designated food desert. • Created and managed the brand’s social media strategy• Organized and facilitated over 10 public engagement events• Utilized design thinking to create innovative solutions to challenges faced by potential shoppers• Coordinated all projects related including grant writing

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  Public Allies

  Sept 2016 - Jun 2017

  Public Ally

  In my time as an AmeriCorps Public Ally I served with North Market, a social enterprise of Pillsbury United Communities which brought fresh groceries to a federally designated food desert. - Created and managed the brand’s social media strategy- Organized and facilitated over 10 public engagement events- Leveraged Design Thinking to create innovative solutions to challenges faced by potential shoppers- Coordinated grant writing projects for federal and private grants

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  Humphrey School of Public Affairs

  Jun 2017 - May 2019

  As a research assistant for the Public and Nonprofit Leadership Center, I assist faculty with gathering and analyzing research, planning events for faculty and community organizations and creating e-learning modules for faculty to use in the classroom. • Project management of events and research• Design and author e-learning modules for The Hubert Project• Conduct literature reviews and research

  • Graduate Research Assistant - Public and Non-Profit Leadership Center

    Aug 2017 - May 2019

  • Humphrey Fellow

    Jun 2017 - Aug 2017
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  WSB

  Aug 2018 - Feb 2020

  Planner

  - Provide day-to-day zoning and planning administration- Review and evaluate development applications for variances, conditional use permits, and subdivisions and present recommendations to Planning Commissions and City Councils- Manage inquiries regarding ordinances, zoning and development applications- Develop and implement comprehensive plans, small area plans and other long-range plans- Provide solutions to community issues such as creating construction management guides to alleviate construction conflicts Show less

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  University of Minnesota School of Public Health

  Sept 2018 - May 2019

  Graduate Assistant

  As a graduate research assistant at the Rural Health Research Center, I managed external communications for the center. I assisted with the transition of the RHRC's website to a mobile compatible site, lead social media efforts and implemented a system to track press and media mentions.

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  American Planning Association

  Sept 2018 - now

  As a co-chair of this committee, we work to provide members and non-members opportunities to engage with, discuss, and learn about topics of equity, justice and diversity within the planning sector through monthly events, training sessions and networking opportunities.

  • President - Minnesota Chapter

    Jan 2023 - now

  • Vice President - Minnesota Chapter

    Mar 2022 - Jan 2023

  • Diversity and Equity Committee Co-Chair

    Sept 2018 - Mar 2022
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  City of Shakopee, MN

  Feb 2020 - May 2021

  Senior Planner, Long Range

  - Oversees implementation of the comprehensive plan and all long range, small area and transportation planning efforts- Project manager for the planning, design and construction of 15 municipal parks- Created a new comprehensive strategy for community engagement that gives residents an authentic way to participate in plans and development- Leads grant writing and tracking efforts for programs at the state and local levels- Serves as liaison to the Minnesota Valley Transit Authority and as an academy coach for the Shakopee High School Show less

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  Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities

  Feb 2021 - Jul 2022

  Blue Line Extension Community Advisory Committee Member

  In my role as a Blue Line CAC member I work along other neighbors to advise the Corridor Management Committee during the planning and implementation phases of the light rail line.

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  Urban Land Institute

  Feb 2021 - Jun 2021

  Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDi) Participant

  As a ULI Minnesota Real Estate Diversity Initiative (REDi) Program I had the opportunity to learn more about successful development through a combination of curriculum and case study work. As part of a team we produced a development plan, pro-forma, and marketing plan for a development and received mentoring in large group and small group formats.

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  City of Hopkins

  May 2021 - now

  Special Projects and Initiatives Manager

  In this unique role, I oversee four distinct areas within our administration department; Park Planning, Sustainability, Youth Programming and Workforce Development and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Through this variety of experiences, I have honed my skills as a collaborator to create projects and policies that are more efficient and equitable, across teams who may have different needs and ideas. • Lead the City’s first Master Park System Planning effort and coordinate park planning and maintenance with internal departments and Hopkins-Minnetonka Joint Recreation• Project management of human resources projects such as the Fire Department Staffing Study and the City’s Labor Market Study• Developed and responsibility for the implementation of the City’s Equity Strategic Action Plan through review and improvement of policies and services• Collaborate in developing budgets by reviewing budget requests, compiling budget information, preparing financial forecasts, and providing recommendations• Serve as the staff liaison to the Park Board and supervises the staff liaison to the Youth Advisory Board• Created and oversee 2 part-time Community Connector positions which provide engagement and outreach to the Latino and Somali Community • Created an implement the City’s strategy for sustainability including the development of the award-winning Hopkins Heat Vulnerability Study and Hopkins Climate Solutions Fund Show less