Emily Risinger, SITES AP
Director of Planning
Emily Risinger is the Planning Director at the Downtown Austin Alliance. Her expertise in participatory planning and design shines through her ability to build partnerships, not just projects.
A certified facilitator and Leader in Place Management, Emily creates positive change—environmentally, aesthetically, and socially.
She is the current Vice Lead of Downtown Austin Alliance’s Active Urbanism Committee and is a member of IDA, APA, USGBCI, and ULI.
Emily is a proud double graduate of University of Texas at Austin (B.S. Urban Studies; M.S. Community + Regional Planning). Her work and contributions to the quality of life and vitality of cities throughout Texas and the U.S. is recognized through many awards, publications, and speaking engagements.
Prior to joining Downtown Austin Alliance, Emily was Associate at international landscape architecture firm, Design Workshop, Inc. where she also served as Executive Director of a 501c3 nonprofit foundation.
Emily’s favorite things to do downtown include gardening at Republic Square, checking out new bands and artwork, and catching a view of the waterfront at sunset.