Name: Daphnea Tatom Ryan
Title: Planner II
Agency: City of Texarkana
Time at current location: City of Texarkana, Texas just over 10 years. City Planner position just over 2 years
Education:
Southern Arkansas University
New Mexico State University
Why did you get into Planning? Many of my previous responsibilities overlapped with economic development and the planning process, including managing our EPA Brownfields program, Historic Landmark Preservation Committee, Neighborhood Associations and Environmental Reviews for CDBG projects. During a reorganization of city departments, I was presented with two new options for career advancement and I chose planning. Although Planning was not in the forefront of my career, I have always had an interest in many of the aspects of planning, specifically on the preservation side. The history of our city and redeveloping our downtown and historic neighborhoods captures my interest most. I am appreciative for the opportunity to be involved in helping to shape the future of Texarkana and enjoy learning new concepts and practices.
What is your proudest accomplishment? My proudest accomplishment is always yet to come; however, in my current Planning position my proudest accomplishment is guiding the completion of our Comprehensive Plan update which will hopefully be adopted by our Council in April. Working with Halff Associates, and guided by robust civic engagement from our community, our new Comprehensive Plan provides a roadmap for an active plan that will bring positive change and growth to our city.
What is your dream project? My dream project would be to fully revitalize our downtown into a vibrant destination and have unlimited resources at my disposal. For now however, we will continue to implement strategic public sector resources and celebrate steady private sector progress for our historic downtown.
