David Southgate

David Southgate, MS, MPA, currently serves as a Senior Research Associate at the Robert Schalkenbach Foundation and a Community-based Climate Adaptation Advisor for Un Nuevo Amanecer, Inc. David is a dedicated community development practitioner in Playa de Ponce, Puerto Rico, focusing on climate resilience and infrastructure equity. With extensive experience in securing over $1 million in funding for community-led initiatives, David has also held advisory roles with organizations such as ICMA and the New Jersey Institute of Technology, providing technical mentoring and training on Brownfields redevelopment. Prior experience includes significant contributions to strategic planning and capacity building with the Center for Creative Land Recycling and fundraising for environmental projects at Desarrollo Integral del Sur, Inc. David's academic credentials include a Master's in Public Administration and a Master's in Community Development/Public Affairs from Rutgers University, where currently pursuing a PhD in Public Affairs/Community Development.