Yu Liu, FAICP
FAICP Statement
Louisville’s Planning Director, Yu “Emily” Liu is known nationally for her open, transparent, and inclusive approach to city planning and for her leadership in advancing equity, zoning reform, and anti-racism planning practices. Initially trained in her native China, Ms. Liu’s influence on the planning profession has evolved from the local level to the national and now international level through regular speaking engagements. Ms. Liu has transformed the Louisville Planning Department through the use of technology, innovative planning principles, and cutting-edge legislation, and has inspired the next generation of planners as a role model and as a planning educator.
Professional Biography
Emily Liu, FAICP, has nearly 30 years of professional experience spanning Texas, Kentucky, Illinois, and Ohio. She currently serves as the Director of Planning and Development at the City of Dallas. Previously, Ms. Liu served as the Planning Director for the Louisville Metro Government for more than a decade. Ms. Liu possesses broad expertise across various aspects of urban planning and design, such as long-range planning, zoning, housing, transportation, urban design, and historic preservation. Among her many achievements is her pivotal role leading Louisville's acclaimed zoning reform initiative.