Name: Leslie Wright

Title: Economic Development Coordinator

How long have you been at TARCOG and what do you do? I have been at TARCOG for two years and I manage the economic development side of the Economic Development and Planning Department which includes keeping track of all our open grants as well as working with our member governments and local nonprofits on project development and funding applications. I also oversee our Revolving Loan Fund.

What did you want to be when you grew up? What haven’t I wanted to be when I grow up? I’ve been lucky enough to be able to try out a few different life paths, but I have been considering being a Pilates wife more and more.

What do you hope to accomplish within the next year? To be honest … the Universe usually decides what I accomplish from year to year, not me. So, I am eager to find out what’s in store for me as well!

Who is your hero and why? Do obsessions count? I’m a stan of a fair amount of people … we don’t have time for a list.

If you could choose to do anything for a day, what would it be? I love experiences. So, if money wasn’t a factor, and if there’s anything cool or fun happening within a reasonable driving distance, I’m there.

What is the best piece of advice someone has given you? “Nothing lasts forever.” It’s a good motivator to take chances in life. For instance, nothing lasts forever so you might as well take the chance while you have it … but also, if you take the chance and you don’t like it … nothing lasts forever so you can always just go try something else until you find the best fit.

What’s the most daring thing you’ve ever done?  I actually jumped off a bridge before … and it hurt … a lot. So, I learned my lesson.

Who knows you the best? I’m pretty mysterious … but there’s also never been a time where I haven’t told a stranger my whole life’s story.

What would you do if you won the lottery? I’m fiscally liberal … so likely I would book a whole bunch of trips with my friends. Catch me cruising in Mallorca with the non-drowsy Dramamine.

 Congratulations, Leslie! Thank you for all that you do!

CONGRATULATIONS TO TARCOG Principal Planner Phoenix Robinson who has been elected president of the Alabama Chapter of the American Planning Association for the 2025-2026 term.

 Before she takes office in 2025, Phoenix will be honored in October at the 2024 Mississippi/Alabama Fall Chapter Conference in Tuscaloosa after being nominated and selected to receive the 2024 Alabama APA Chapter Leadership award for her work on the chapter’s website for the past several years.

“We are so proud of Phoenix,” said TARCOG’s Executive Director Michelle Jordan, FAICP. “To be elected by her peers from around the state to lead this group, of which I’ve been a part of for 30 years, is quite an honor and well-deserved.”

 Phoenix will be the second person in TARCOG’s history to serve in the statewide role.

 TARCOG Economic Development and Planning Director Lee Terry said he’s also proud of the recognition that Phoenix is receiving.

“We see day in and day out the hard work that Phoenix puts in and her commitment to the furthering of the planning profession. To see her rewarded in such a way for the things we see in her on a daily basis brings me great happiness for her,” Lee said. “Phoenix is a tremendous asset to TARCOG, and its member governments and partners and we are excited to see the bright future, that these accomplishments indicate, she has ahead of her.”

The American Planning Association is a national organization of diverse planning and planning-adjacent professionals that helps communities, their leaders and residents anticipate and meet the needs of a changing world.

“This simply means that my colleagues and I are dedicated to service in any applicable capacity that helps communities thrive in a sustainable manner in response to change,” Phoenix said.

She said she will be working with the Chapter’s Executive Committee to advance opportunities for planning professionals across the state. This ranges from budding professionals currently in school to those that have worked in the profession for decades.

She will take office in 2025 and serve a two-year term.

As chapter president, Phoenix will also represent the Alabama on the national APA stage, specifically on the Chapter Presidents Council, which advises APA on various matters of concern.

Phoenix said she joined the state chapter in 2016, while in the community planning graduate program at Auburn.

“As I transitioned into the professional side of membership, I discovered opportunities that the Chapter had not yet taken advantage. Some still exist, while new ones have since been revealed. I am stepping into this role to simply do what I do on a daily basis – help a community, in this case, a statewide community of planners – grow and thrive in response to a changing profession and a changing world.”

Congratulations, Phoenix!