Larisa Ortiz is a nationally recognized expert in retail strategy in mixed-use urban environments. With nearly three decades of experience, she has helped cities, non-profits, and real estate developers craft strategies that drive investment and support equitable growth.

A managing director at Streetsense for the last seven years, Ortiz leads strategic planning for downtowns, retail corridors and mixed-use districts. Simultaneously, she also served as a New York City Planning Commissioner until 2022 — a role she embarked on in 2015.

Ortiz is the author of Improving Tenant Mix (ICSC) and Preparing a Commercial District Diagnostic (LISC), and is a sought-after speaker and advisor.

A Fulbright scholar and Watson fellow, she holds a Masters Degree in City Planning from MIT and a B.A. with honors from Wesleyan University.