Amalia M. Merino is an urban planner with a passion for creative placemaking, repurposing space, social justice issues & generating public engagement to improve quality of life & forge neighborhood connectivity in the urban landscape. Amalia is an Associate Planner with 4LEAF, Inc.’s new Planning Division. She works as a contract Project Planner for the City of Pinole, managing specific project entitlement and CEQA processes and the Old Town Pinole Parking and Pedestrian Safety Study. She previously worked for the City of Los Angeles Department of City Planning, the Office of L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti , LA Metro and has served on various boards. A graduate of Smith College and UCLA, her professional background includes performing arts sponsorship & development in Miami & advertising in Chicago. Amalia grew up between the USA, Ecuador, Honduras and Bolivia. She enjoys cultural happenings, political activism, outdoor recreation and travel near or far.