We’re proud to continue shaping the next generation of leaders in urban innovation and civic engagement by announcing the 2025–2026 Community Planning Fellows Cohort!
Each year, graduate students in urban planning and related fields are placed with NYC Community Boards. Fellows gain invaluable, hands-on experience while providing boards with much-needed capacity to address pressing issues—zoning, transportation, housing, sustainability, economic development, and more.
This year’s Fellowship will launch with special guest speakers:
Dr. Aldrin Rafael Bonilla, Executive Vice President, Fund for the City of New York
Oversees the Community Planning Fellowship, manages three core FCNY programs, and serves as Commissioner & Chair of the NYC Equal Employment Practices Commission. His career spans leadership roles across government, nonprofit, academic, and diplomatic sectors.
Oversees the Community Planning Fellowship, manages three core FCNY programs, and serves as Commissioner & Chair of the NYC Equal Employment Practices Commission. His career spans leadership roles across government, nonprofit, academic, and diplomatic sectors.
Alex Kipp, Director of Education and Engagement, NYC Conflict of Interest Board (COIB)
A leader in transforming ethics education into engaging, accessible training. With a background in theater, he blends creativity and multimedia to make complex topics both practical and memorable.
A leader in transforming ethics education into engaging, accessible training. With a background in theater, he blends creativity and multimedia to make complex topics both practical and memorable.
Ahmed Tigani, Acting Commissioner, NYC Housing Preservation & Development (HPD)
Brings extensive experience in housing, land use, and community development. He has led planning initiatives, strengthened operations, and built collaborative partnerships across multiple city agencies.
Brings extensive experience in housing, land use, and community development. He has led planning initiatives, strengthened operations, and built collaborative partnerships across multiple city agencies.
Calling All Community Boards & Nonprofits
Applications are still open until September 19th for 2025–2026 project proposals! District Managers and nonprofit partners can submit initiatives that support their communities while offering Fellows meaningful, two-semester learning opportunities.