Van Le, AICP

Department Manager - Planning

Van is a certified professional planner with 20 years of experience. She is passionate about helping Alaskan communities realize their future vision for growth and development, transportation needs, land use compatibility and grant funding opportunities. Her experience includes regional planning and MPO long-range transportation plans, Context-Sensitive Solutions (CSS) implementation and project management, as well as area-specific master plans and CIP priorities. Van has been involved in all aspects of local and regional planning, including zoning and regulatory compliance for transportation implementation projects, and inter-agency coordination at the local, regional, state and federal level.

Education
M.S. Environmental Sciences, Alaska Pacific University
B.A. Urban Geography, University of British Columbia
Registrations/Certification
American Institute of Certified Planners, American Planning Association
Public Participation, International Association for Public Participation
Systematic Development of Informed Consent, Institute for Participatory Management
Affiliations
American Planning Association
Institute of Transportation Engineers
International Association for Public Participation
Industry Experience
20 Years
Contact
907.646.9659
Email Van
linkedin
  • What places are on your travel bucket list?
    Australia to visit a friend who moved there from Alaska.
  • What are you most likely doing on the weekend?
    Going to the dog park, watching my son play soccer and cooking.
  • If you weren’t doing your current job, what would be your dream job?
    Film producer or veterinarian.
  • What is one skill you are currently working on?
    Perfecting my singletrack biking.
  • What are your favorite books?
    The Westing Game and Talking to Strangers.
Back To All People

Van’s Projects

AMATS 2050 Transportation Plan Update for Anchorage and Chugiak-Eagle River

Municipality of Anchorage, Alaska

Eagle River 690 PZ Intertie

Eagle River, Alaska

Alyeska Highway/Seward Highway Intersection Improvements (Public Involvement)

Girdwood, Alaska

Van’s News & Views

Why Planning Matters: Creating Better Projects with Clear Purpose and Collaboration

Planning is more than just a starting point—it’s the backbone of successful project delivery. Whether it's building transportation infrastructure or revitalizing a neighborhood, effective planning ensures projects stay aligned with community values, stakeholder needs and long-term goals. This article explores how good planning defines the “why” behind a project, facilitates collaborative processes, engages the right people at the right time and ultimately helps projects overcome challenges to deliver meaningful results.

Read More