Meet Heather Davis
Building stronger leaders. Creating better communities.
Planner. Researcher. Speaker. Mentor.
For more than a decade, I've had the privilege of working alongside local governments to help communities grow with intention. Throughout that journey, I've discovered that the greatest challenge facing our profession isn't a lack of technical knowledge—it's leadership.
That's why I created Urban Flow.
My story
Planning was never just about zoning.
When I entered the planning profession, I was drawn to the opportunity to shape communities that improve people's daily lives. Planning blends strategy, design, public service, law, communication, and problem-solving in a way few professions do.
Over the years, I've worked in communities experiencing growth, redevelopment, infrastructure challenges, floodplain management, development review, zoning administration, and long-range planning. Those experiences taught me that successful planning is rarely about having the perfect ordinance or policy.
It's about people.
The strongest departments aren't simply staffed by technically skilled planners. They are led by individuals who communicate well, build trust, mentor others, navigate difficult conversations, and make thoughtful decisions under pressure.
Those observations ultimately inspired Urban Flow.
Why Urban Flow Exists
Urban Flow was created to bridge the gap between planning knowledge and planning leadership.
While our profession excels at teaching planning law, zoning, transportation, housing, environmental policy, and urban design, leadership development often happens informally through experience.
Urban Flow exists to change that.
My goal is to create practical resources that help planners lead with greater confidence, strengthen organizations, mentor future professionals, and build healthier communities.
My Philosophy
Urban Flow was created to bridge the gap between planning knowledge and planning leadership.
While our profession excels at teaching planning law, zoning, transportation, housing, environmental policy, and urban design, leadership development often happens informally through experience.
Urban Flow exists to change that.
My goal is to create practical resources that help planners lead with greater confidence, strengthen organizations, mentor future professionals, and build healthier communities.
Professional Experience
Throughout my career I've had the opportunity to work across multiple areas of local government planning, including:
• Development Review
• Zoning Administration
• Long-Range Planning
• Floodplain Management
• Community Development
• Ordinance Development
• Citizen Engagement
• Planning Commission Support
• Board of Zoning Appeals Administration
• Organizational Leadership
• Department Operations
• Staff Development
These experiences continue to shape the resources, articles, and research shared through Urban Flow.
Credentials
Education
Master of Community Planning
Auburn University
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design
Auburn University
Professional Certifications
AICP
American Institute of Certified Planners, American Planning Association (APA)
CZI
Certified Zoning Inspector, International Code Council (ICC)
CFM
Certified Floodplain Manager, Association of State Floodplain Managers (ASFPM)