This blog is intended to provide insight into Alexandria’s planning process and key planning issues the city faces from my perspective as a Planning Commission member. Through this forum, I hope to provide context for issues we face that shape the urban form of our city.
The views expressed are mine alone, and do not represent the City of Alexandria, the Alexandria Planning Commission, or my employer.
PERSONAL BIO
Nathan Macek has been an active participant in Alexandria city government, working to create a vibrant and livable city. He has served as a member of the Alexandria Planning Commission since March 2013, and vice chair since March 2016. In this role, he has reviewed long-range plans and current development approvals across the city, and provided focused advice in several planning and policy areas. He has served as chair and vice chair of the Alexandria Transportation Commission (2014-2016), member of the Waterfront Commission (2016-present), chair of the Parking Standards for New Development Projects Task Force (2014-2015 and 2017), chair of the Ad Hoc Group for Digital Signs and A-Frame Portable Signs (2015-2016), and vice chair of the Old Town Area Parking Study Work Group (2015).
From December 2007 to March 2013, he served as a member of the Alexandria Waterfront Committee/Commission as a citizen member residing west of Washington Street. During his tenure the Waterfront Committee advised on development of the Waterfront Small Area Plan, achieved Commission status, and shepherded implementation of the plan following adoption in January 2012. He chaired the Committee/Commission from December 2009 to March 2013, served as member and coauthor of the final report of the Waterfront Plan Work Group (2011), and was a member of the Old Town Area Parking Study Work Group (2015).
In 2011 he authored Alexandria’s successful nomination of King Street to the American Planning Association’s “Great Streets in America” program. He was named a member of the Mass Transit magazine’s “40 Under 40” class of 2013, and the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce “40 Under 40” class of 2016. He participated in the American Public Transportation Association’s Leadership APTA class of 2015 and Leadership Greater Washington class of 2017. He is member of the Transportation Research Board Revenue & Finance Committee.
Professionally, he is a Vice President with WSP USA. As Director of Project Development and Finance, he leads a national team of 20+ individuals who advance major capital projects in rail, transit, and aviation.
He has a master of regional planning degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and a BA in political economy from Michigan State University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners.
He resides in the Rosemont section Alexandria with his wife Kara and two young sons. He is originally from Michigan and has lived in Alexandria since 2004.
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