Temple University has announced the 2026 honorees for its '30 Under 30' recognition program, which celebrates young alumni who are harnessing their skills to advance equity in the communities they serve. Urban's Senior Planner Danielle Baer, PP, AICP, has been named to this year’s “Change Igniters” cohort for her commitment to advancing equitable, community-focused transportation planning.

“I’m honored to be recognized as a '30 Under 30' recipient by my alma mater,” said Baer. “For communities to truly thrive, we need equitable, inclusive, and reliable transportation options. Working for Urban allows me to use my expertise and passion for just that, helping to build stronger communities every day.”

“Danielle’s passion for improving transportation across diverse communities is inspiring,” said Urban’s President and CEO, James A. Bilella II, PE. “Whether working on intricate municipal project or a large, complex corridor, Danielle’s commitment to quality never wavers. We’re proud to have her on our team.”

With more than seven years of progressively expanding experience, Ms. Baer leads planning projects focused on improving roadway safety and traffic engineering across Urban’s service areas. She applies data-driven strategies and intentional community engagement to understand the unique aspects of each project before making recommendations to address transportation safety for all users.

Working with the City of Philadelphia Office of Transportation and Infrastructure Systems (OTIS) and Old City District, Ms. Baer collaborated with local business owners to maintain delivery access and customer parking along Market Street during the construction of a road diet, signal upgrades, and elevated bike lanes ahead of the America250 celebrations. In New Jersey, she worked with the South Jersey Transportation Planning Organization (SJTPO) to develop four countywide local road safety plans and support for their immediate implementation.

A licensed New Jersey Professional Planner, Ms. Baer earned her Master of Science in City and Regional Planning from Temple University’s Tyler School of Art and Architecture in 2020 after graduating from Bucknell University with a bachelor’s degree.

Click here to view Ms. Baer's '30 Under 30' profile.