David Boyd

David Boyd Professional planner as well as educator and writer, David Boyd has devoted his career to fostering high-profile initiatives to advance collaborations across communities and citistate regions. He has been an advisor, formally and informally, to many elected officials and non-government organizations interested in sustainable, inclusive, and smart growth-oriented approaches to community development.
In recent years Boyd has been involved with a number of fast-learning regional economic development entities such as the Collaboration Council (now called “Thrive”) in Madison, Wisconsin, a project in which the late Citistates Associate John Parr offered early assistance. Prior to that he was one of the architects of the St. Louis’ Metropolitan Forum, an alliance of business, government and civic leaders addressing the challenges of racial and economic disparity in that region. He also led the St. Louis area Regional Citizens Network, a unique program that combined civic journalism with community engagement and collaborative leadership in a multi-county process involving hundreds of citizens in dialogue about issues ranging from education and transportation to the arts. A major part of his work continues to be in individual communities, helping citizens and leaders develop strategic and prioritized policy responses.
With a mission to help prepare the next generation of citizens and professional planners, Boyd has held faculty appointments in urban and regional planning departments at Cornell University, St. Louis University, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Today he holds the title of chief enterprise office (CEnO) with the Urban Associates Group, a planning and management consulting firm he formed in the Madison area.
His current work involves helping communities, NGOs, and businesses to develop strategies focused on enhanced communications, marketing/branding, and creative policy responses designed to foster economic growth and community vitality.
Last updated October 24, 2011