Pete Saunders

Pete Saunders has a diverse work experience spanning from 1999 to present. Pete is currently the Community and Economic Development Director at the Village of Richton Park, IL since May 2019. Prior to that, they worked as an Editor/Publisher at The Corner Side Yard, where they addressed urbanism, economics, demography, race, and public policy for America's Rust Belt cities. Their work at The Corner Side Yard has been featured in various publications. Pete also served as an Urban Planning Consultant at PDS Consulting since September 2013.

Before joining PDS Consulting, Pete worked as a Contributor for Forbes from April 2016 to December 2019, where they provided commentary and opinion on urbanism, demography, economics, and society. Additionally, Pete served as the Executive Director at Tri-County Regional Planning Commission from November 2014 to March 2015, where their responsibilities included directing regional transportation policy efforts and coordinating effective policies in transportation, land use, economic development, housing, and environmental matters.

Earlier in their career, Pete worked as a Senior Land Use Planner at the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning from September 2010 to February 2013. Pete managed the development of comprehensive plans, neighborhood plans, corridor studies, and economic development analyses for municipalities throughout the Chicago metropolitan area. Prior to that, Pete was a Senior Planner at the City of Joliet from June 2007 to September 2010.

Pete also gained experience as a Senior Associate at Camiros, Ltd. from July 2004 to March 2007, specializing in community and economic development planning projects in inner-city neighborhoods. Pete worked on various neighborhood planning efforts in Chicago, IL, Raleigh, NC, and Newark, NJ. Additionally, Pete worked as a Senior Planner at Allen Kracower and Associates from November 2002 to March 2004, where they prepared studies on land use, zoning, and demographics for litigation cases and the Forest Preserve District of DuPage County.

Pete's early experience includes working as a Senior Planner at Campbell Tiu Campbell, where they directed planning, community development, and economic development studies for municipalities, corporations, and community organizations nationwide, including Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; Philadelphia, PA; and Las Vegas, NV.

Pete Saunders completed their Bachelor's degree in Urban Planning and Policy at Indiana University Bloomington from 1982 to 1987. Later, from 1988 to 1990, they pursued further education at the University of Illinois at Chicago, earning a Master of Urban Planning degree. Prior to their university education, Pete attended Benedictine HS, although specific dates and degrees obtained are not provided.