Ian Ross
About Ian Ross
Ian Ross serves as the Head of Civic at Placer.ai, where he has worked since 2021, focusing on data-driven community improvement. He has a background in urban design and policy, with experience in founding ventures that connect local businesses and promote economic development.
Work at Placer.ai
Ian Ross has served as the Head of Civic at Placer.ai since 2021. In this role, he leads the Civic strategy, focusing on how local leaders can leverage data to understand and enhance their communities. His work aims to transform and accelerate civic engagement through data-driven insights. Ross's tenure at Placer.ai has been marked by a commitment to improving urban environments and fostering community development.
Education and Expertise
Ian Ross holds a Master's Degree in Urban Design from Cornell University, where he studied from 1996 to 1999. He also earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Comparative Religion from the University of Rochester, attending from 1991 to 1995. Additionally, he studied Geography at The University of Edinburgh. His educational background supports his expertise in urban design, policy, and real estate, particularly in the area of walkable urbanism.
Background
Ian Ross has a diverse professional background that includes consulting at the intersection of urban design, policy, and real estate. He has a strong focus on walkable urbanism, which emphasizes the importance of pedestrian-friendly environments. Prior to his current roles, he co-founded and served as CEO of OppSites from 2015 to 2021, where he contributed to urban development initiatives in Oakland.
Achievements
Ian Ross founded Dilly, a venture designed to connect local businesses with nearby customers. He also established the California Opportunity Zones Marketplace, which links cities and economic development organizations with investors and developers. These initiatives reflect his commitment to enhancing local economies and fostering community connections.
Current Ventures
In addition to his role at Placer.ai, Ian Ross is the Founder of a Stealth Startup, which he has been working on since 2021 in Oakland, California. This venture continues his focus on urban development and community engagement, building on his extensive experience in the field.