We're celebrating Women's History Month throughout March by highlighting some of Urban’s talented women who play vital roles in improving the communities we serve.
As a Senior Planner, Danielle Baer, AICP, advances developments and encourages collaboration while creating a better world. Danielle bridges the gap between technical experts and the public, leading public involvement efforts for several projects at Urban. Danielle shared some of her time and experiences in the Q&A below.
In college, a geography course first sparked my interest in planning, particularly in understanding the intersection of physical and human geography. That passion grew during my summers as an Intern with the Lower Merion Township Building and Planning Department, where I had the opportunity to learn from some of the region’s top planners. I was involved in the early stages of planning the Cynwyd Trail and contributed to the Township’s Comprehensive Plan. Gaining hands-on experience with such impactful projects early in my career was invaluable and solidified my passion for the field.
As a Senior Planner, I lead public involvement efforts for numerous projects, eliciting early, active, and meaningful participation. I also contribute to concept development and safety analysis efforts, bringing a fresh perspective that complements the traditional engineering approach.
I take great pride in my involvement with the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO) Countywide Local Road Safety Plans. By the end of last year, all four plans had been officially adopted. Now, I have the privilege of continuing my work in the region, focusing on implementing these plans. In New Jersey, 60 percent of fatal and serious injury crashes occur on county and municipal roads, underscoring the urgency of proactive safety improvements. In our industry, plans often sit on shelves for decades before seeing action. It is incredibly fulfilling to be actively implementing these local road safety plans immediately after their adoption, ensuring tangible and timely improvements, and hopefully saving lives in the process.
My role often serves as a bridge between technical experts and the public, translating complex concepts into accessible information. Effective planning plays a crucial role in keeping communities informed, fostering impactful participation in shaping their neighborhoods.
The Old City Market Street Improvements Project, one of the first projects I worked on at Urban, is now under construction. This project will reimagine Market Street from 6th Street to 2nd Street, making it safer and more accessible for bicyclists and pedestrians. Key improvements include a road diet, raised one-way cycle tracks on both sides, and enhanced pedestrian and streetscape features. Located just steps from our Philadelphia office, I’m excited to experience the revitalized corridor firsthand upon its completion – just in time for the Nation’s Semiquincentennial.
Urban has been instrumental. I’m grateful for the firm’s commitment to continuous learning, which has enabled me to attend conferences and training opportunities. No matter how much experience I gain, I’m always eager to keep learning from industry leaders and applying new insights to my work. Urban’s support makes that possible.