Kirstin Miller is an urban planner and community development practitioner with a background in organizational and project management, team leadership, and driving major initiatives. She has a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern Oregon University and holds a professional certificate in planning from the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Her work is inspired by her roots in the landscapes and cultural heritage of the American West, as well as her extensive international experience.

Growing up in Missoula, Montana, Kirstin’s connection to the West runs deep. Her great-grandfather, W.M. Johnston, established a law practice in Billings, Montana in 1895, supporting local businesses, farmers and ranchers, energy pioneers and mining interests. Johnston was Mayor of Billings (1917-1919) and a founder of the East Rosebud Lake Association (1894).

Kirstin launched her community development career at the Berkeley-based nonprofit Ecocity Builders, which she soon led as Executive Director. Over nearly three decades, she’s guided grassroots efforts, neighborhood improvement projects, planning and building projects, and policy initiatives, all designed to advance sustainable urbanism.

Kirstin has worked with communities across the United States, Latin America, South Asia, and the Middle East-North Africa region, refining an inclusive, community-driven approach. She believes in empowering local residents and businesses by valuing their voice, culture, and knowledge—because when people have agency to shape their communities, the results can be transformative.

With NextWest Urban Strategies, Kirstin is focusing on the land and communities she holds close to her heart. By aligning the values of her Western heritage with the lessons learned on a global scale, she’s helping cities, towns and regions in the US West implement forward-thinking strategies that address today’s most pressing challenges while moving towards a vibrant, healthy future.