معرفی
Katharine Czarnecki Merritt serves as a Teaching Specialist in the Urban & Regional Planning program within Michigan State University's School of Planning, Design and Construction, focusing on practical community development education and placemaking initiatives.
Her academic credentials include:
- Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the University of Georgia
- Master’s degree in Urban Planning from Michigan State University
Merritt specializes in translating real-world urban development experience into classroom instruction, with core expertise in downtown revitalization, local business ecosystems, and historic preservation. Her professional philosophy emphasizes community-driven placemaking and economic development finance, particularly through certified strategies that empower Michigan municipalities. She actively champions the integration of historic building conservation with modern economic development frameworks.
Her career features significant leadership roles including Chief Operating Officer at the Michigan Environmental Council (MEC), where she modernized operations through cloud-based systems during the COVID-19 pandemic, and over a decade directing community development initiatives at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). At MEDC, she pioneered programs for main street improvements, historic site preservation, and developer outreach that engaged hundreds of local governments and stakeholders across Michigan. Earlier experience includes planning roles at the Lansing Regional Chamber of Commerce and private practice.
