​As the founder and collaborative strategist of Urbane DrK Consulting, Brenda Kayzar, PhD, brings a hybrid of experience in finance, academia, and nonprofits to her practice, collaboratively navigating government institutions and nonprofits toward fair and sustainable outcomes. She employs a research-based approach in her evaluation and strategic planning work, centering equity in program, development, and planning practices while building avenues to equitable representation and opportunities for engagement.

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As a consultant Brenda and her team evaluate and create programs, design and facilitate outreach and engagement efforts, and lead strategic and cultural planning projects. This work forms the foundation for professional plans and reports and Brenda's research on creative placemaking, revitalization and gentrification, and community and housing development is published in academic presses. 

Among their many projects, Urbane DrK Consulting has collaborated on strategic plans, economic development studies, and program and project evaluations for clients like:

• City of Seattle - ARTS Strategic Plan, 2025 -2030);

• City of Minneapolis - Minneapolis 2040: Arts and Culture, Minneapolis Creative Index 2018, and Creative Citymaking & Creative Response Fund Evaluation;

• Minnesota Department of Transportation - Utilizing Arts and Culture to Mitigate the Negative Impacts of Transportation Infrastructure on Communities

• Minnesota Citizens for the Arts - Creative MN Studies 2017 to 2022

• LISC - The Power of Place: Study of Creative & Cultural Districts in the Twin Cities, and Making Connections: East Lake Street Cultural Corridor Implementation and Action Plan

• Hastings Prescot Arts Council - Hastings is Arts: An Arts & Cultural Plan for the Community of Hastings

 

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