Ryan Hand is the Senior Economic Planner at the DC Office of Planning where he provides technical and strategic guidance for a land use based policy portfolio including: the creative economy, commercial real estate, small business development, and workforce development. Most recently, Ryan managed the District of Columbia’s first Cultural Plan. Through this plan, he developed expertise with innovative models of partnership and finance that can enable cultural organizations to thrive in growing cities.

Previously, Ryan held community and regional planning positions where he worked on a range of plans including community visions, small area plans, and regional strategic investment plans. Throughout his career, Ryan has specialized in equity building through innovative analysis, engagement and communication techniques. Ryan holds a master’s degree in city and regional planning from the Catholic University of America, a graduate certificate in arts and culture strategy from the University of Pennsylvania, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from the College of Wooster.