About | portfolio

Personal statement:

“My interest in Planning developed out of a nature that combines passionate idealism with rational pragmatism.
Seeking an honest occupation which respects other people and the natural world, while at the same time developing an understanding of the powerful influence our built environments have on health, wealth, and quality of life, I reasoned that Planning was a vocation where I could be effective in making a positive difference - a profession where my creative and analytical abilities could be meaningfully engaged in seeking and implementing solutions to the many challenging problems faced by human society.“

A native son of the desert Southwest, Forest was born in Albuquerque, NM and grew up there in the city and rural towns of neighboring Valencia County. Enlisting in the Coast Guard in 2001, Forest received international travel and professional development experience handling a wide range of challenging duties over eight years as an Electronics Technician.

Honorably discharged in 2009, Forest returned home to finish college and completed his BA in Environment Planning & Design with a Minor in Economics from the University of New Mexico in 2013, and graduated Magna Cum Laude with distinction in International Studies from the University Honors College. Going on to receive a Master of Science in Planning degree at the
University of Arizona in Tucson, his studies focused on ecological land use planning and design. Supplementing this education with technical training in methods of spatial analysis and mapping, he also earned a Graduate Certificate in Geographic Information Systems from the college's School of Natural Resources & the Environment.

Currently Forest is bringing his interests and experiences in ecological analysis to scientifically inform regional policy-making and strategic planning for the future to his work as a
Transportation Planner serving the Central New Mexico MPO of the
Mid-Region Council of Governments.