Urban & Environmental Planner | GIS Specialist

Combining spatial analysis, design, and planning to build resilient, data-driven communities.

My Journey in Urban & Environmental Planning

I’m Shaiesta Ehsani, an Urban & Environmental Planner with a strong GIS foundation.

I create meaningful spatial insights through mapping, analysis, dashboards, and planning tools that support resilient decision-making. My work spans wildfire risk assessment, environmental planning, StoryMaps, dashboards, and community engagement.

WHAT WE ARE EXPERT AT

Featured Projects

Metrocenter Mall Redevelopment – Economic Development Study

Analyzed the historical economic role of Metrocenter Mall, impacts of its closure, and redevelopment opportunities. Conducted demographics analysis, market evaluation, and economic development scenario planning.

Skills & Tools: Economic Analysis, Planning Research, Visualization, Demographics Data

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Bellingham, WA – Environmental Planning Report

A comprehensive evaluation of Bellingham’s sustainability, green infrastructure, climate adaptation, and environmental justice strategies. Developed planning recommendations supported by spatial analysis, policy review, and plan-network assessment.

Skills & Tools: Policy Analysis, Sustainability Assessment, Writing & Research, Spatial Data Interpretation

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Environmental Justice Analysis – South Phoenix

Analyzed disparities in access to parks, food sources, and public amenities between a vulnerable community and an affluent comparison area. Completed field assessments, demographics research, EJ mapping, and produced a written report for city officials.

Skills & Tools: Field Assessment, EJ Indicators, Mapping & Visualization, Report Writing, Policy Analysis

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Feeding America – Disaster Plan Maintenance Dashboard

Designed a clear, user-friendly ArcGIS Dashboard to help food banks plan for disaster preparedness and resilience. Included demographic layers, facility data, hazard exposure indicators, and guided plan-creation workflows.

Skills & Tools: ArcGIS Dashboards, AGOL, UX Design, Data Integration, Policy & Planning Support

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Rio Reimagined – Rivershed Asset Mapping

A multi-agency project identifying cultural, environmental, recreational, and infrastructure assets along the Salt and Gila Rivers. Conducted stakeholder interviews, GIS asset inventory, data gap analysis, and a full StoryMap showcasing existing and future assets to support regional river corridor planning.

Skills & Tools: StoryMaps, Stakeholder Interviews, Asset Mapping, Spatial Data Management, Planning Research

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Wildland–Urban Interface (WUI) Analysis – Maricopa County

A comprehensive spatial assessment of housing growth and wildfire exposure across East and West Valley jurisdictions. This project included WUI classification, geoprocessing models, city-specific analysis (e.g., Goodyear, Scottsdale, Surprise), infographic development, and risk visualization to support Maricopa County’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan.

Skills & Tools: ArcGIS Pro, Spatial Analysis, Geoprocessing, Maps & Layouts, Data Visualization, Infographics

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GIS & Technical Skills

  • ArcGIS Pro (Advanced)

  • ArcGIS Online: Dashboards, StoryMaps, Web Maps

  • Geoprocessing & Spatial Analysis

  • ModelBuilder

  • Python basics for GIS

  • SQL for data queries

  • Data management & cleaning

  • Map design & cartography

  • Infographic creation

  • Excel & Power BI

Planning Skills

  • Community and environmental planning

  • Hazard mitigation and resilience planning

  • Environmental justice assessment

  • Economic development research

  • Policy review & analysis

  • Stakeholder engagement

  • Scenario planning

  • Report writing & presentation

 

Design & Communication Skills

  • Visual storytelling

  • StoryMap design

  • Infographic layout

  • Graphic communication

  • Public-facing information design