Kate White
About Kate White
Kate White is the Restorative Communities Leader at Arup, focusing on infrastructure for people and the planet in the San Francisco Bay Area. She has extensive experience in urban policy and infrastructure, having held various leadership roles in both public and private sectors.
Arup Restorative Communities Leader
Kate White currently serves as the Restorative Communities Leader at Arup, focusing on Infrastructure for People and Planet. With a tenure starting in 2022, she operates out of the San Francisco Bay Area. Kate's role emphasizes building resilient infrastructures that prioritize community restoration and environmental sustainability.
Past Experience in Planning and Policy
Kate White's professional journey includes notable roles, such as Planning Policy Leader at Arup from 2019 to 2022, where she spent three years shaping planning policies in the San Francisco Bay Area. Prior to that, she was the Deputy Secretary, Environmental Policy and Housing Coordination at the California State Transportation Agency from 2013 to 2018, working in Sacramento to oversee environmental policies and housing coordination over a five-year period.
Early Career and Foundation Work
Kate White's early career is marked by significant positions in various organizations. She served as the Initiative Officer for the Great Communities Collaborative at The San Francisco Foundation from 2012 to 2013. Additionally, she held the role of Executive Director at Urban Land Institute from 2005 to 2012, and co-founded and directed the San Francisco Housing Action Coalition from 2002 to 2005.
Education and Academic Background
Kate White has a diverse academic background. She completed her BA in Political Science with a minor in Religion at Oberlin College. She also holds a Masters in Public Administration from San Francisco State University, specializing in Urban Administration. Furthermore, she pursued studies at the Urban Studies Program at the University of Amsterdam, focusing on Dutch/European Transport & Housing Policy.
Mentorship and Thought Leadership
As an active mentor and coach, Kate White supports multiple institutions, including WTS Women's Transport Seminar, University of California at Berkeley, and San Francisco State University. She is involved with the Urban Land Institute’s Young Leaders Group. A recognized thought leader, Kate has authored and lectured extensively on matters like housing, smart growth, sustainable transportation, and transit-oriented development.