Kevin Nelson leads the Urban Team within USAID’s Land and Urban Office, a team devoted to incorporating solutions to urban issues in projects around the Agency. In this role, he is the co-chair of the Urban Expert Working Group, comprised of Agency technical experts who focus on urban work. He also coordinates donor engagement and leads efforts to support the New Urban Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals.
Educational Background
Mr. Nelson received a master’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois. He also has a bachelor’s degree in Government and International Relations from the University of Notre Dame.
Regional Experience
Mr. Nelson recently made the transition from domestic to international development and is the Land and Urban Office’s point of contact for sustainable urbanization.
Previous Experience
Mr. Nelson brings over 20 years of direct experience working with local governments, cities, and regional councils of government to identify urban issues and develop relevant solutions that produce expected results and advance opportunities for the sustainable living and prosperity. Recently, at the USEPA he developed the Building Blocks for Sustainable Communities technical assistance program for urban assessment and implementation, which has been replicated throughout the USG.
Publications and Presentations
- Inaugural Urban Champion, USAID’s UrbanLinks interview
- Using Smart Growth Strategies to Create More Resilient Communities in the Washington, DC Region, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, 2013