About this Video

April 06, 2020–To support members, firms and our community address COVID19, the AIA|LA is hosting a series of town halls, panels and other initiatives. COVID19’s effect on societal and municipal functions as well as its impact on the economy are the topics of this second AIA|LA Town Hall with Cecilia V. Estolano.

Estolano, who is an expert on contemporary urban planning issues, also presents multiple strategies to address and mitigate the pandemic’s impact. The virus will forever change aspects of our economy, the way we organize our society, our urban form, and the meaning and practice of democracy. How might a greener, more equitable, more representative U.S. rise out of the trauma of social distancing, sickness and death?

Cecilia V. Estolano is a leading expert on contemporary urban planning issues, with experience in economic and workforce development, land use, environmental equity, and urban revitalization for cities and communities across the country. She has worked directly with public, private, institutional, and non-profit clients to plan, finance, design, implement, and operate policy-driven programs and projects that promote sustainable solutions tailored for each community. Cecilia is a Regent of the University of California and has served as President of the California Community College Board of Governors and on many other boards and commissions. She received an A.B. from Harvard-Radcliffe Colleges, an M.A. in Urban Planning from UCLA, and a J.D. from UC Berkeley. Prior to founding Estolano LeSar Advisors in 2011, Cecilia served as CEO of CRA/LA, practiced land use and environmental law while Of Counsel and an Associate at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, served Senior Policy Advisor at the U.S. EPA during the Clinton Administration, and served as Environmental Policy Advisor to former L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley.