College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture

Marilyn Robinson

Associate Director

Drachman Institute

College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture

University of Arizona
PO Box 210075, N. Olive Road
Tucson, AZ 85721

Office: (520) 626-4614

Education

Master of Urban Planning, College of Architecture, Planning, and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA), University of Arizona, Tucson

Master of Extension (Community) Education, University of Arizona, Tucson

Bachelor of Science, Interior Design, University of Arizona, Tucson

Positions and Employment

2003-present Associate Director, Drachman Institute, University of Arizona

Project Director, Community Outreach Partnership Center, UA/HUD

1997-2003 Marilyn Robinson & Associates, Consultant, Community Planning and Design

1991-1997 Community Development Director, Tucson Urban League

1985-1991 Housing Programs Coordinator, Tucson Urban League

1982-1985 Faculty/Design-Build Project Coordinator, Kino School, Tucson

1976-1982 Associate Faculty, Pima Community College, Tucson

1976-1982 Designer, CNWC Architects, Tucson

1970-1974 Designer/Researcher, Public Building Commission of Chicago, Chicago, IL

SELECTED MAJOR PROJECTS DIRECTED OR CO-DIRECTED:

HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT

Neighborhood Stabilization Project (NSP2), 2010-2012, Drachman Institute

Funder: US Department of Housing and Urban Development and Pima County

Conducted study of target area neighborhoods and commercial corridors in Tucson to establish baseline of existing conditions prior to implementation of improvement projects. The project selected ten neighborhoods and four commercial corridors in the south and southwest areas of the Tucson Metropolitan Area.

Housing Assessments and Master Plans, 2006-2011, Drachman Institute

Funder: Arizona Department of Housing

Worked with with communities including native nations around the state to assess existing housing conditions and housing needs, and develop housing master plans, programs, and designs.

Housing and Transportation Affordability Study, 2009, Drachman Institute with Center for Neighborhood Technology

Funder: Public/Private Partnership including Arizona Department of Housing, Pima County, City of Tucson, Pima Association of Governments, Tucson Association of Realtors, The Gadsden Company

Conducted study of the relationship between housing and transportation costs for households in Pima and Pinal Counties.

Housing Arizona, 2008, Drachman Institute

Funder: University of Arizona and Arizona Town Hall

Prepared extensive report for the 2008 focus on housing by the Arizona Town Hall, a nonprofit organization creating forums for civil discourse on critical issues facing Arizona. The report covered the history, trends, and social and economic impacts of housing in Arizona, including particular issues facing rural areas, Native Nations, the workforce, and the homeless and other special needs populations. The report also covered the state’s aging housing stock, sustainability and green technology in housing, best practices for emerging markets, and foreclosure trends and impacts in Arizona.

Community Futures Demonstration Project, 2003-2006, and Building Healthy Neighborhoods, 2006-2009, Drachman Institute

Funder: US Department of Housing and Urban Development

Conducted study of 29 inner city neighborhoods in Tucson to help develop neighborhood plans for exercise, health, and housing. The BHN project selected three neighborhoods to work with in further plan development including Santa Rita Park Neighborhood, Barrio San Antonio, and a coalition of Northwest and El Cortez Neighborhoods.

South Park Community Development Plan, 1991-1994, Tucson Urban League

Funder: US Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant from City of Tucson allocation

Formulated comprehensive community development plan, which led to $8.7 million in new funding, including a South Park Avenue Improvement Plan. The plan received awards from the American Planning Association and the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials. Subsequent work in the South Park Neighborhood included the 54-acre Quincie Douglas Park, the Quincie Douglas Community Center, 69 units of senior housing in Quincie Douglas Park.

PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS AND ACTIVITIES

Industrial Development Authority of the City of Tucson

President, Board of Directors, 1996-present

American Planning Association, 2000-present

Arizona Town Hall, 2007-present, Participant 2008

Arizona Housing Commission, Governor’s Task Force on Tax-Exempt Mortgage Financing Chair (2005), Vice Chair (2000-2004)

Community Planning and Design Workshop, University of Arizona

Advisory Board, 1999-2003

Dunbar Coalition, Historic Dunbar School, Tucson, AZ

Board of Directors, 1997-2002

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