Melissa Kaplan-Macey is responsible for engaging stakeholders and building support for RPA’s programs to expand economic opportunity, improve infrastructure and adapt to climate change across the region and is responsible for leading our research, planning and advocacy activities in Connecticut. An expert in land use planning and community engagement, Melissa has extensive experience in building collaborative relationships with community partners in order to leverage resources and create actionable policy. Prior to joining RPA, Melissa was principal of Collaborative Planning Studio and, previously, was a senior associate at BFJ Planning. Melissa is an adjunct professor in the urban planning program at New York University’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. She holds a master’s in urban planning from New York University’s Wagner School of Public Service and a bachelor’s in urban studies from Brown University.