The firm was legally established this year, however, I have been providing independent consultant services together with employment-based services since 2018. Some significant projects that have contributed to my skills and expertise are,
Onboard Transit Passenger Survey
Client: CJI Research
Location: Durham-Raleigh, North Carolina and Westchester County, New York
Date: 2018-2019
Supervised contracted staff to manage systemwide onboard transit survey data collection from current passengers. In total, over 10,000 surveys were collected. I ensured quality data collection, trained and supervised contracted staff, and managed staff communications and conflicts. I also assisted with data analysis and report writing.
Village of Johnstown Online Comprehensive Plan
Client: Burton Planning Services
Location: Village of Johnstown, Ohio
Date: 2018
Conducted research, prepared maps, designed the plan document, and drafted goals, outcomes, and actions of the plan elements and developed an interactive online platform with features for public engagement. The plan includes measurable actions that will help guide the Village and public agencies, as well as private organizations as they prepare detailed plans, programs, and ordinances for the Village over the next several years.
Associate Planner for various planning projects
Employer: Burton Planning Services
Location: Westerville, Ohio
Date: 2020-Present
As an employee working remotely, I provide support in various planning projects such as transportation plans, comprehensive plans and policies, hazard mitigation plans, e-learning development, public engagement, GIS analysis and mapping, and research and writing. I manage and assist with business development services in the company.
Digital Infrastructure Plan, City of Toronto
Employer: LURA Consulting
Location: Toronto, Canada
Date: 2019-2020
I assisted with the development and implementation of public engagement strategy for the Phase 1 consultations for the City of Toronto’s Digital Infrastructure Plan. I supervised event logistics and helped execute public events in locations across the city including the City Hall, assisted with the development of surveys and communication materials, analyzed data, and prepared summary reports.
Remote Academy Learning Service Development
Client: Open Architecture Collaborative Canada
Location: Toronto, Canada
Date: 2020-Present
I advise on the development of a virtual learning experience for architects, planners, and social designers based in Toronto. I assist with strategy development, community outreach, and quantitative and qualitative feedback analysis.
Orange Township Land Use Comprehensive Plan
Client: Planning and Zoning, Orange Township, Ohio
Location: Orange Township, Ohio
Date: 2017
Adopted in November 2018, the Plan for Orange Township was completed by a team of eight graduate students as a part of Academic Studio work. I led the public engagement team, organized open house events, facilitated round table discussions and presented the findings to the public. I also conducted research and drafted complete sections of the final report.
ArcGIS Mapping and Analysis
I conduct research, collect data, create maps, perform spatial analysis, prepare reports, and present results visually, verbally or in writing.
Public speaking and training
I have previously given trainings on subjects like Urban Mobility in Smart Cities (2021), survey collection methodology (2018-2019), project scheduling (2012-2016), and delivered public speeches in communities I have been involved with.
Writing, Design, and Journalism
I write short articles about cities, communities, and urban initiatives for urbanism related news and views platforms. I prepare supplementary graphics and maps to communicate complex messages effectively. I prepare newsletters and other communication materials as well. Some work examples are:
Ohio Department of Transportation Statewide Transportation Planning Newsletter, Spring 2019
How Community Engagement is key to fight Urban Sustainability Challenges
How public spaces can be redesigned to make ‘unlocking’ safe in Bengaluru
Bengaluru Comics
Written and Created by: Ruchi Agarwal
Location: Bengaluru, India
Tentative Launch Date: Oct 2021
Coming Soon!
A Bengaluru-based educational graphic novel designed to encourage and guide youth to get engaged in their communities and shape the future of their City.
+ Hiring an Artist/illustrator. Contact me to know more.
Visual Stories and Articles
About 90% of information transmitted to the brain is visual and over 60% of people are visual learners. In order to make learning from lengthy papers and articles easier, I convert them into visual stories and animated explainer videos. More videos coming soon!
COVID-19 Bengaluru App (closed)
Created and Managed: Ruchi Agarwal
Location: For Bengaluru, with love from Toronto!
Date: March – April, 2020
The onset of COVID-19 pandemic that brought a country of 1.3 billion people to a lockdown overnight, demanded quick response. To help create awareness in Bengaluru’s communities essential resources, this multilingual web-based App was created. It contained hospitals/clinics and doctors’ contacts, helpline numbers, information on essential services, community initiatives, fundraisers, volunteering opportunities, and events and activities to do while socially isolating. It was mentioned by The Times of India within the first week, and by the third week it had over 1,500 users and was reused and adapted by several COVID-19 efforts across the Country.
