Elias is passionate about the intersection of urban planning, design, sustainability, and equity. Growing up in Bogota, Colombia, Elias was introduced to the impacts of transportation early in life and is committed to uplifting communities through transportation planning.
Elias Frantz Orjuela (he/him) is a transportation planner with Foursquare ITP. Elias graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University in December 2020 with a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Studies and Planning and a Minor in Environmental Studies. He worked directly with the Richmond community co-leading the planting and care of over 100 trees throughout Richmond to address the urban heat island effect and supported the care of VCU’s urban gardens. Elias also worked for a local transit advocacy organization in Richmond where he provided research to advocate for the extension of GRTC’s zero fare policy. Most recently, Elias worked as a transportation analyst supporting Federal and State transportation projects through research, technical writing, and data analysis in topics such as connected/automated vehicles, highway externalities, and emerging mobility technologies. At Foursquare ITP, he is excited to work on transit projects throughout the country and refine his urban planning, writing, data analysis, and design skills.
Education
BS, Urban and Regional Studies and Planning (Minor: Environmental Studies)
Virginia Commonwealth University