Latoya D. Smith

Latoya D. Smith earned a bachelor's in sustainable community development and a master's in landscape architecture from UMass Amherst. Her master’s project, "Green Play +: Increasing Equity Through Green Spaces in Marginalized Communities," focused on creating accessible, environmentally resilient, and socially inclusive green spaces in the Mason Square area, where Latoya grew up, and adjacent neighborhoods in Springfield. This project aims to address environmental justice concerns by integrating sustainable design with community-driven planning, ensuring that all residents—regardless of socioeconomic status—have access to high-quality public spaces. 

Latoya's long-term career goal is to drive equitable and sustainable urban development, particularly in historically marginalized communities. As a Project Manager for the City of Springfield's Office of Planning and Economic Development (OPED), Latoya uses insights from her master's project and graduate studio reports to propose innovative solutions for downtown Springfield. More specifically, she integrates sustainable design principles with urban planning initiatives to ensure that the city's projects prioritize community well-being, ecological resilience, and social equity. Through RAISE grant initiatives, she has advocated for urban design improvements, sustainability measures, and inclusive community engagement strategies. 

Latoya's biggest accomplishment since joining OPED was winning a $100,000 grant from the Cities for Financial Empowerment (CFE) Fund for a CityStart initiative. The project aims to engage residents, community leaders, and institutions in developing strategies that build lasting wealth and opportunity in the Mason Square neighborhoods of McKnight, Old Hill, Upper Hill, and Bay.

Beyond project management, Latoya has introduced advanced design software to OPED, enhancing visualization techniques and streamlining project workflows. These technological advancements have elevated the team's capacity to communicate ideas effectively and execute urban planning initiatives with greater precision. Latoya also collaborates with certified planners, further strengthening her expertise in land use planning, zoning, and economic development. 

Latoya's professional experience began with her business, Sunshine Cleaning & All-Season Lawn Care, LLC, where she gained firsthand knowledge in landscaping, business management, and sustainable horticultural practices. Through this venture, she developed practical skills in time management, customer relations, and eco-conscious landscaping solutions, such as pollinator gardens, native plantings, and chemical-free maintenance techniques. These experiences laid the foundation for her career in landscape architecture and urban planning.

While at UMass, Latoya

• Created and edited the "LA 607/608 Studio Report: North End, Metro Center and South End — Envisioning Neighborhood Investment in Springfield, MA" final studio report.
• Gained technical proficiency in SketchUp, Revit, AutoCAD, Rhino, Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign

"Born on the beautiful island of Jamaica, I have always been deeply connected to landscapes, sustainability, and the built environment. My passion for nature and sustainable design stems from my early years, where I was surrounded by rich vegetation and diverse landforms. This connection fueled my commitment to environmental stewardship, sustainability, and equitable urban development. My grandmother, a pillar of wisdom in my life, instilled in me the principle of doing the most good for as many people as possible. This guiding philosophy has shaped both my personal and professional journey. From an early age, I envisioned a life centered around sustainable practices—growing my own food, minimizing my environmental footprint, and fostering resilient communities."

Latoya Smith