CONSULTANT, PROJECT MANAGEMENT & ENGAGEMENT

Megan Gude

Consultant: Project Management & Engagement

Place & Story Consulting

Megan is a city planner focused on equitable and connected communities, with experience in community engagement, transit-oriented communities, placemaking, grant-writing and grant-making.

Always focused on the intersections of community, equity and resources, Megan holds degrees in urban planning and public policy, and has worked in downtown development, transit planning, food systems and rural economic development, and land rights. 

She founded Place & Story Consulting in 2024 to focus on projects that enhance upward mobility and support equitable development in Charlotte and the Carolinas.

Megan spent a decade working in community engagement and downtown economic development with Charlotte Center City Partners, building partnerships around placemaking programs, retail initiatives, and supporting the design and implementation of a grant program to help small businesses navigate the COVID pandemic. She has also worked as a transit planner and project manager at Kimley-Horn, as a facilitator with the Institute for Engagement & Negotiation in Virginia, and as coalition manager for the Rights & Resources Initiative.

Education

Georgetown University, BS, Science, Technology and International Affairs

University of Virginia, Master of Urban & Environmental Planning

Personal Interests

Growing flowers and vegetables, baking, biking and reading

Volunteer Interests

Education, social equity, and local food systems

Industry Boards & Community Leadership

Community Building Initiative (CBI): Board of Directors (2015-2022) Leadership Development Initiative (2016-2017), Equity Impact Circle Leader (2015), Leaders Under 40 (2013-2014)

International Downtown Association: Emerging Leader Fellow (2019), Inclusive Placemaking Issue Council (2018)

Chantilly Montessori, Board (2020-2023)

Charlotte-Mecklenburg Food Policy Council: Board of Directors (2013-2016)