Bio
Owen Elton is a candidate for a Master’s in Urban Planning at NYU’s Robert F. Wagner School of Public Service. He holds a B.S. from Northwestern University’s School of Education and Social Policy, where his research explored education, healthcare, and housing policies designed to promote equity and opportunity. After graduation, he worked with American Promise, a political nonprofit focused on campaign finance reform, supporting lobbying efforts, publishing policy reports, and advocating for structural change. Owen’s interest in how local environments influence opportunity led him to urban planning, with a focus on affordable housing, community development, and culture-led initiatives. His work emphasizes preserving rich local cultures while improving quality of life, maintaining affordability, and minimizing displacement in urban neighborhoods. Outside of his academic and professional work, Owen enjoys following his hometown Celtics, cooking, screen printing, solving NYT crosswords, and sharing urban planning insights with friends and family while exploring the city. His background in policy analysis, nonprofit advocacy, and urban planning shapes his dedication to building inclusive, vibrant, and equitable communities that expand opportunities for all residents.
