Nick Valdez

Drake University has hired an experienced community planner who will work to strengthen the economic development and vitality of the Drake Neighborhood. Nick Valdez, a Drake alumnus, was named to the newly created position of neighborhood and community relations manager in May. Valdez, who earned a master’s degree in public administration from Drake in 2014, will be the university contact for Drake Neighborhood businesses, institutions, and residents to support mutual campus and community engagement, address community concerns and advance new partnership opportunities. He helped prepare the University’s request for proposals to 11 Iowa firms on July 18, to develop university-owned land along University Avenue in Des Moines. Valdez previously helped develop a master plan for historic Valley Junction and also helped plan multicultural events there.