Wideleine Desir

Wideleine Desir is an urban planner specializing in community-based planning and social policy. Most recently, Wideleine led the promotion, programming and selection process for the regional citizen advisory committee at Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission (DVRPC). Her work significantly enhanced community outreach for essential reports and programs such as the Long-Range Plan, Coordinated Human Service Transportation Plan, and Public Participation Task Force. As the organization's Public Participation Planner, she also led the evaluation and update of the region's federally mandated Limited English Proficiency Plan, ensuring inclusive engagement across diverse populations.

As a Policy Analyst at the Citizens Housing & Planning Council of New York (CHPC), Wideleine supported research on affordable housing and managed engagement for large-scale public housing projects, laying the groundwork for meaningful change. Serving as a Community Planner in the New York City Housing Authority's (NYCHA) Real Estate Development Department, she played a crucial role in the groundbreaking Permanent Affordability Commitment Together (PACT) Program, managing strategies for over 7,500 housing units and fostering collaboration among government agencies, private developers and tenant leaders. Her work also included enhancing open and green spaces in New York City and advocating for bicycle and pedestrian initiatives in Austin, Texas.

Wideleine is thrilled to embark on her role as the inaugural Policy Associate at the National Center for Smart Growth. She is eager to bring her skills and experience to the Center's ongoing and future programs and projects. Her academic background includes a Master's in Community and Regional Planning from the University of Texas at Austin and a Bachelor's in Sociology from Florida International University.