We’re passionate about advancing communities.
who are we?
Nexus Planning Services is a Northwest-based professional services firm specializing in comprehensive planning, community design, urban analytics, development administration, economic development, strategic planning, and policy guidance.
team
Ryan Hughes, AICP
Principal Planner
Hailing from the inland north-west, Ryan’s experience includes more than 18 years professional engagements and consultancies in urban planning, community, international and economic development. Ryan earned his degree in Urban & Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University, holding a Master's in Economic Development as well. Professionally certified with the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Ryan has led project work in comprehensive planning, growth management periodic review, public participation, economic and industry analysis, land-use planning, and local development administration. As an international consultant, Ryan's background includes planning and development work in complex regions of Africa and the Middle East.
What is your favorite quote?
“We are perishing for want of wonder, not for want of wonders.” - GK Chesterton
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I love seeing the “light” turn on with community members, partners, and clients. Planning seeks to articulate a community’s vision for itself. Once a viable pathway to realizing the vision has been discovered, a community is energized and excited. There is no limit to what an empowered community can accomplish. It has been an honor to be a part of empowering and contributing to positive spirals of community success.
What do you enjoy spending the most time doing in your free time?
Having lived, worked, and travelled internationally (off-and-on) for over 25 years, I continue in amazement at the world around us. Experiencing culture, friendships, sights and communities around the world remains a passion and pursuit.
kurtis johnson
Planner
Kurtis joined Nexus Planning Services after earning his Masters in Urban & Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University. Along with coursework in growth management, environmental, and shoreline protection, Kurtis engaged on a variety of impactful projects including Eastern’s Small Urban, Rural, and Tribal Center on Mobility (SURTCOM). He supported planning work with the Spokane Transit Authority, and served in recovery planning for the fire-ravaged town of Malden, WA. His work at Nexus includes comprehensive planning for conformance with State legislation, community outreach, and spatial analysis utilizing Geographical Information Systems (GIS).
What is your favorite quote?
“We have to build a different kind of society, one that is based on social and environmental justice, equality, and cooperation.” - David Harvey
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Talking with folks from different communities and getting to understand what issues affect the least privileged.
What do you enjoy spending the most time doing in your free time?
Audiobooks, video games, and spending time with friends.
david grechko
Planning Technician
David is currently a student at Eastern Washington University working towards his bachelor's in urban and regional planning, as well as a certificate in GIS. At Nexus Planning, David supports a variety of projects and tasks. These include a number of Comprehensive Plans being updated to meet Washington State periodic policy review. He's also contributed greatly to our Tribal client's economic development planning efforts.
What is your favorite quote?
“Great things are not done by impulse, but by a series of small things brought together.” - Vincent van Gogh
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
Seeing how the work we do positively impacts the communities we work with.
What do you enjoy spending the most time doing in your free time?
Making music and learning about niche topics I have never heard of before.
lara estaris
Operations Coordinator
Born to immigrant parents, Lara’s worldview has been shaped by principles of racial equity, social justice, sustainability, and environmental stewardship. Having worked in the private, public, and nonprofit sectors, her approach is immensely people-centered and prioritizes collaboration. She is also currently pursuing her bachelor's in the urban and regional planning program at Eastern Washington University.
What is your favorite quote?
“We have to be willing to imagine and fight for a future that is radically different from our reality.” - Mariame Kaba
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I find joy connecting with people, learning how they navigate the community they live in, and how I can empower them to be stewards and caretakers of their environments.
What do you enjoy spending the most time doing in your free time?
My appreciation for the warmer, sunnier months has grown since moving to Spokane. I try to spend as much time outdoors, doing hands-on work, such as tending my garden or doing home renovations.
Anthony Maucione
Planning Technician
Our newest team member, Anthony is currently a student at Eastern Washington University working towards his master's in urban and regional planning. During his undergraduate studies at Gonzaga University, Anthony studied Civil Engineering and Political Science with a variety of coursework involving land surveying, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), and public administration. Anthony has begun supporting Nexus’ work in Comprehensive and Climate Planning.
What is your favorite quote?
“What counts in life is not the mere fact that we have lived. It is what difference we have made to the lives of others.” - Nelson Mandela
What’s the most rewarding part of your job?
I feel honored to be a part of a team that works towards truly bettering a community and to approach challenges from intersectional perspectives, with an emphasis on historically marginalized communities.
What do you enjoy spending the most time doing in your free time?
Watching movies, building with legos, and reading political theory all bring me joy and take up a significant part of my free time.