About

David Rouse, FAICP, ASLA, is an urban planner and landscape architect with over 40 years of experience, focused on creating healthy, resilient, and sustainable communities. He is committed to connecting professional practice and research to develop practical solutions for 21^st century planning and design issues. David served as Research Director for the American Planning Association (APA) in Washington, DC, where he worked closely with nonprofit and federal partners to advance planning practice on topics such as hazards planning and resilience, community health, and planning for autonomous vehicles. Prior to joining APA he was a principal at Wallace Roberts & Todd (WRT) in Philadelphia, where he led many of the firm’s major planning projects. David is an accomplished speaker and has authored numerous publications on planning and design topics.

Certifications and Licenses

Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners
Professional Landscape Architect, licensed in Massachusetts and Rhode Island
Professional Planner, New Jersey

Professional Memberships

American Planning Association
American Public Health Association
American Society of Landscape Architects

Education

Master of Landscape Architecture, University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 1980
Bachelor of Arts, Harvard University, 1974

Work Experience

David Rouse, FAICP
Urban + Regional Planning Consultant
2019-present
American Planning Association
Managing Director of Research and Advisory Services
2013-2019
Wallace Roberts & Todd (WRT)
Planner and Landscape Architect
1988-2013
Schofield Brothers Engineering and Surveying
Project Manager
1985-1988
Town of Barnstable, MA
Conservation Agent
1980-1985

Teaching Experience

University of Maryland, College Park, MD
Adjunct Professor, Urban Studies and Planning Program
2020-present
Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA
Adjunct Professor, M.S. in Sustainable Design Program
2020-present
University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA
Studio Instructor, City and Regional Planning Program
2004-2010

William Cesanek, AICP

David’s influence is clearly discernable, not only through his many honors and awards, but by the volume of his work, the intensity of his effort, and the quality of his planning products. His writings on comprehensive planning, zoning, green infrastructure and sustainable communities have influenced planning practice in many cities. His long list of awards for authoring and implementing innovative Comprehensive Plans throughout the US as a consulting planner is impressive in the quantity of plans he has worked on, the geographic range, and the fact that most of the plans received awards for innovation and effectiveness.

William Cesanek

Vice President, CDM Smith

Karen Walz, FAICP

David’s leadership as Research Director extended APA’s involvement in research collaborations and brought new resources to the planning community. It also raised the profile of planning in the inter-disciplinary discussions and research initiatives that are shaping investment in U.S. cities and metropolitan regions. This leadership demonstrates the important contributions David is making to the quality of community planning.

Karen Walz, FAICP

Principal, Strategic Community Solutions

Brian O’Leary, AICP

The planning community throughout the country is stronger and more vibrant because of the efforts of David Rouse. His professional planning work has impacted many in a positive manner and has been achieved through years of high-quality research, dedicated service, and personal leadership. Communities across the country have all benefited from David’s leadership.

Brian O’Leary

Executive Director, Chester County Planning Commission