About Us
We are an urban planning and research consultancy dedicated to cultivating resilient and healing communities by integrating ecological understanding, social justice and equity planning approaches. We work alongside residents, institutions and other stakeholders to support sustainable food systems and building inclusive and resilient human settlements.
Our Vision
Mission Statement
Our Story
Dr. Kareem Usher began his professional journey as a field biologist in the forests of Belize, studying medicinal plants at the La Milpa Research Station. That early work fostered a deep understanding of how natural systems regenerate, adapt and coexist. It also revealed a critical tension: conservation efforts, when disconnected from community realities, can unintentionally restrict access to food, land and livelihoods.
This realization led Dr. Usher to shift his focus from ecology to sociology—studying the human systems that shape access, equity and well-being. He later earned a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and a Ph.D. in Urban and Regional Planning, developing specialized expertise in food systems planning and community economic development.
Today, his work bridges ecological awareness, social justice and the built environment recognizing that community gardens, local markets and neighbourhood spaces are not merely physical or economic assets—they are living social ecosystems that sustain resilience, identity and belonging.
Our Philosophy
Our approach to planning is informed by reflective traditions drawn from Stoicism, Buddhism and Taoism. These perspectives shape how we engage with communities and guide our professional practice.
We aim to:
Listen deeply and with intention
Design with empathy and care
Build systems that foster belonging and trust
Measure success by human flourishing, not only outputs.
Our Core Values
Belonging
Every person deserves to feel included, respected, and valued in the places they live and work.
Equity
Planning systems should expand opportunity and access rather than reinforce barriers or exclusion.
Ecology
Human and natural environments are deeply interconnected and must be planned together.
Community Voice
Lasting solutions are co-created with residents, not imposed upon them.
Healing
Planning should repair harm, restore trust, and strengthen the social fabric.
Integrity
Leadership must be grounded in responsibility, transparency and moral clarity.
About the Founder
Dr. Kareem Usher
Dr. Kareem Usher is an urban planning scholar and applied social scientist specializing in food systems planning, community economic development, and socially equitable urbanism. His Belizean heritage informs a deeply contextual, community-rooted approach to planning-shaped by experience in ecological fieldwork, social infrastructure development, and interdisciplinary frameworks focused on human well-being.
He works collaboratively with communities, institutions and development partners to advance planning practices that are thoughtful, inclusive and grounded in lived experience.
Curriculum Vitae
Awards and Recognition
2023 Recipient of the American Planning Association's Norman Krumholz Equity Award.
INFAS Overall Impact Award (2024-2025)
Dr. Usher has been a steadfast and influential mentor to the CISC HBCU Fellowship Program (CHFP) since its inception in 2022. He consistently shows up for fellows and offers guidance, encouragement, and a powerful example of leadership in action. Whether traveling alongside students to conferences, supporting their presentations, or engaging in thoughtful dialogue about their work, Dr. Usher’s presence has deeply shaped the fellowship experience. His genuine investment in the growth and confidence of emerging scholars reflects the very essence of the INFAS mission and its lasting impact.
Let us Plan for People and Place
If you are seeking a planning partner who values community, integrity and meaningful impact, we welcome the opportunity to connect. See our solutions to understand how we can help.