Vision, Purpose and Leadership

Clarinda Barnett-Harrison and Ritchie Harrison, both urban planners and nonprofit executives, founded Planning TES in 2019.

Growing up in Detroit, they developed a deep passion for community development and improvements that make neighborhoods livable and thriving.

Their diverse backgrounds have shaped their practice, and they are committed to ensuring that Planning TES not only specializes in urban planning and community development but also offers fractional leadership to fill gaps and advise clients on organizational development.

They work with boards, leadership teams, and staff to develop programs that achieve tangible outcomes in communities and organizations. For example, they have successfully implemented initiatives that strengthen career education in schools, improve environmental sustainability, and connect communities to nature and the environment.

Our Team

  • Clarinda Barnett-Harrison

    Growing up in Detroit’s Morningside neighborhood on the east side helped to shape Clarinda’s philosophy on the relationship between space and community. She is a master urban planner who specializes in economic and workforce development, with a slant towards equity-building. Her body of work in the City of Detroit and region includes building pathways for families to achieve sustained economic mobility.

    Education

    Master of Urban Planning with a concentration Economic Development and Graduate Certificate in Economic Development - Wayne State University

    Bachelor of Liberal Arts with a concentration in Economics, Management and Psychology - University of Michigan

    Personal Why Statement

    Human beings are essential to creating space but are often left out of the conversation – especially if they are not considered essential contributors. My intention is to elevate the lived-experience expertise of under-represented groups as critical input to influence the future of land use and urban design.

  • Ritchie H. Harrison

    Building thriving communities is a passion for Ritchie. He grew up in Detroit but has also lived in the southern US and east coast. These experiences have shaped an appreciation for various types of communities and spaces. His expertise is community and economic development with a focus on building healthy, sustainable, and multigenerational neighborhoods. His body of work includes large-scale community planning, parks, and greenspace, as well as place-strengthening.

    Education

    Master of Community Development with a concentration in Economic Development - University of Detroit-Mercy

    Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning and Graduate Certificate in Entrepreneurship from Eastern Michigan University

    Personal Why Statement

    My intention is to foster leadership that transforms conceptions of planning and community development to create the kinds of communities that enable all people to thrive and flourish.