concordia is a community based planning and design team with a collective passion for the principles of concord. We implement our work through an integrative and participatory process that addresses physical, cultural, social, educational, organizational and economic assets and needs.
Joe Butler, Community Organizer & Planner
Home / People / Joe Butler, Community Organizer & Planner
Contact: jbutler@concordia.com
jbutler@concordia.com
Mr. Butler has 15 years of experience working locally, nationally and internationally in community planning, public engagement, project management and community organizing within diverse populations. Most recently as a member of Concordia Planning & Architects LLC, he directed the communications and outreach strategies for the Unified New Orleans Plan. This recent public engagement work included managing a national information and outreach campaign, coordination of diverse grassroots organizing strategy implemented by a host of civic organizations, faith based communities and concerned citizens. In addition he coordinated a multi-tiered media campaign including print, Internet, radio, earned media interviews, public appearances, press conferences and dozens of appearances as UNOP spokesperson within government, private and high visibility public sectors. Mr. Butler brings extensive knowledge of community planning and development models, public engagement strategies and community organizing techniques.
Currently his work includes: Camden, New Jersey, where a framework for improvement initiatives in the Camden City Public Schools is underway. As Project Manager, Mr. Butler’s responsibilities involve management the public communications effort, strategic planning for public schools, community engagement for facilities location and design, technical assistance to superintendent and MetEast principal, and leadership support for the school board.
Before returning to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina, Mr. Butler worked with Urban Architects/The Urban Group, a premier South African design and planning firm. In South Africa he coordinated implementation of community re-development projects including integration of community planning for public spaces, facilities and “informal” transportation hubs. Public engagement activities in South Africa focused on involving historically marginalized groups in public processes designed to foster equity, redress and modernize public facilities. Mr. Butler is very experienced in working amongst diverse ethnic groups, in multiple first language translation and with non-English speakers.
Mr. Butler has contributed various articles to community based publications; guest lectured in community development & public engagement courses and served as a panelist at international conferences on community organizing. He is actively involved in youth leadership development.
Comments
Hi, Joe,
I saw your marvelous, articulate interview this morning on CNN. I tried the CNN website to see if Camille could access it, but no luck. You can reach her at ccarter@wile.com. Best wishes, and thanks for all you are doing.
Ellen Pecoul (her mom)
Ellen Pecoul on August 29th, 2007