Matt Cunningham is an urban planner who has recently relocated to New York City. He has worked as a Built Environment Specialist for the Tri-County Health Department and as a Mobility Manager for the Denver Regional Mobility & Access Council among other roles. His work has primarily focused on active living and mobility, though he is interested in the many different elements that make up a vibrant urban environment. He has a BA in Political Science and Environmental Studies from the University of Nebraska and a Masters in Urban & Regional Planning from the University of Colorado. You can find his full bio on LinkedIn and see what he’s sharing on Twitter.
The original inspiration for this site came from Gary Taipalus, who taught a graduate course taken by Matt and Adam. He was passionate about how the built environment could positively impact health and sustainability. Sadly, Gary passed away in December, 2011. His contributions to the field and to the communities he worked in will live on for many years, and his good humor and caring personality were greatly appreciated by his many friends and colleagues.
Gary was the founder and principal of Watermark Design Group, Inc., an architectural, urban design, and planning firm in Michigan, USA for 25 years. Â While in Michigan he also taught architectural design and renewable energy courses at Jordan College. In Colorado Gary taught at the University of Colorado Denver, focusing on health and the built environment. His academic credentials include an undergraduate degree in Urban Planning and Environmental Design and graduate degrees in both Architecture and Urban Design.