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
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ArcGIS Pro (Advanced)
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ArcGIS Online: Dashboards, StoryMaps, Web Maps
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Geoprocessing & Spatial Analysis
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ModelBuilder
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Python basics for GIS
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SQL for data queries
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Data management & cleaning
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Map design & cartography
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Infographic creation
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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