Alex Rau

Social Cartographer | Human Geographer

Resume

Alex Rau

Social Cartographer | Human Geographer | GIS Professional

Professional Summary

Geospatial professional and human geographer with Master’s in Community & Regional Planning combining spatial analysis expertise with transportation planning, data visualization, and community engagement. Experienced in developing spatial solutions for multi-site programs, conducting field-based geographic assessments, and translating complex spatial data into accessible visual communications. Committed to leveraging open-source and proprietary geospatial technologies to advance equitable, community-centered planning outcomes.

Technical Skills

Geospatial Tools: QGIS, Google Sheets (spatial data), Looker (data visualization), working knowledge of spatial database management
Software Proficiency: Open-source advocate: LibreOffice, Invetree, GNUcash, Karrio | Microsoft Office Suite
Competencies: Spatial data analysis, cartographic design, visual communication, classification systems, field data collection, spatial problem-solving, web-based data visualization
Currently Developing: ESRI ArcGIS Pro, advanced cartographic techniques, web mapping applications

Professional Experience

Planner II — Safe Routes to School Specialist

Alta Planning + Design | Portland, Oregon | April 2023 – February 2024

  • Conducted geographic field assessments across 26 Safe Routes to School program sites, leading walk audits to evaluate pedestrian and bicycle infrastructure, documenting spatial barriers, and identifying site-specific safety interventions across diverse Oregon communities.
  • Designed spatial solutions for transportation corridors and intersections in 14 communities, creating “Quick-Build,” interim, and long-range design concepts that addressed geographic context, topography, and community-specific mobility patterns.
  • Developed visual communications and cartographic materials for educators and social media campaigns, translating complex spatial safety data into accessible graphics to promote bicycle and pedestrian safety education throughout Oregon school districts.
  • Applied spatial equity analysis in administering Oregon Safe Routes to School Microgrants program, ensuring equitable geographic distribution of financial and material resources across urban, suburban, and rural communities through data-driven allocation framework.
  • Managed multi-site program coordination totaling $32.4M in construction and education programs, delivering on-time geographic analysis and associate-level planning for geographically distributed stakeholders.
  • Created evidence-based spatial policy recommendations on rural transportation access, ADA compliance, and traffic gardens, incorporating scientific social analysis and universal design principles into geographic planning contexts.

Transportation Options Intern

City of Eugene — Public Works | Eugene, Oregon | May 2022 – March 2023

  • Coordinated geographically-targeted transportation behavior change initiative (SmartTrips pilot project), achieving 35% increase in active and mass transportation use through spatial analysis of transportation patterns and targeted community engagement in specific neighborhoods.
  • Conducted spatial outreach and data collection across Eugene geography, gathering georeferenced insights into transportation habits, barriers, and opportunities to inform strategic infrastructure decisions and program targeting.
  • Contributed spatial analysis to federal grant applications totaling over $10M for pedestrian and cycling infrastructure improvements, including BRIC and Reconnecting Communities funding applications that required detailed geographic needs assessments and site-specific justifications.
  • Applied field-based geographic research methods to understand transportation accessibility patterns across diverse neighborhoods and demographic groups.

Graduate Research Assistant

University of Oregon | Eugene, Oregon | December 2021 – March 2023

  • Conducted spatial data analysis for City of Bend housing policy, leveraging construction permit data to identify geographic patterns of development, analyzing spatial distribution of housing types, and recommending zoning changes to promote geographically-targeted high-density development.
  • Led comprehensive spatial planning project for City of Monmouth, authoring Downtown Monmouth 2040 plan (published and adopted 2022), including existing conditions spatial analysis, land use mapping, and transportation network recommendations based on geographic assessment.
  • Facilitated geographic stakeholder engagement through site tours, spatial analysis presentations, and focus groups, translating technical spatial information for diverse audiences including city officials, business owners, and residents.
  • Developed curriculum materials for undergraduate courses in Environmental Studies and City Planning, teaching spatial thinking, geographic analysis methods, and the role of place in environmental and urban systems to approximately 25 students per course.

Planner / Planning Intern

City of Willmar | Willmar, Minnesota | August 2020 – July 2021

  • Provided spatial planning support for land use applications, reviewing site plans, conducting geographic compliance assessments, and communicating spatial regulatory requirements to developers and the public.
  • Authored driveway and curb cut development standards, incorporating spatial design principles, sight distance analysis, and geographic context into policy recommendations for city council and planning department.
  • Promoted from intern to full-time staff (2021) based on demonstrated spatial analysis capabilities and professional communication skills.

Samples Inventory Clerk

On Inc. | Portland, Oregon | May 2025 – September 2025 (Limited Duration)

  • Managed spatial inventory system for product samples across multiple locations, designing and implementing classification and organization system by type, color, gender, and other attributes to optimize spatial efficiency and retrieval.
  • Coordinated geographic logistics for inbound/outbound sample movement supporting trade shows, marketing photo shoots, and sell-in events, tracking sample locations and reconciling large volumes of returned product across distributed sites.
  • Utilized data management tools including Google Sheets and Looker to maintain inventory accuracy, track sample movement patterns, and ensure availability for cross-functional teams (Sales, Marketing, Merchandising).

Owner

The Updraft Company | Portland, Oregon | February 2024 – Present

  • Operate independent online storefront selling physical media (vinyl records, tapes, books) via Discogs platform, managing inventory database and classification system organized by genre, artist, title, and condition.
  • Leverage open-source technology stack including LibreOffice (data management), Invetree (inventory tracking), GNUcash (financial records), and Karrio (shipping logistics) to maintain efficient, low-cost business operations.

Assistant Programming Director

KVSC — 88.1 FM | St. Cloud, Minnesota | January 2011 – May 2020

  • Produced and managed broadcast content serving central Minnesota geographic region, including Emmy-winning news, culturally diverse music programming, live performances, and collegiate sports championships.
  • Supervised diverse team of broadcasters, writers, and producers, managing daily station operations and ensuring FCC compliance for broadcast coverage area.
  • Expanded community partnerships and revenue through grant writing and public fundraising campaigns, understanding regional demographics and geographic reach of station.

Site Director

Yes Network | Waite Park, Minnesota | May 2019 – August 2019

  • Managed summer program site serving 250 refugee-status and first-generation children, overseeing 10 paid staff and community volunteers, delivering educational programming and meal services.
  • Directed community-based programming emphasizing cultural understanding and artistic development, addressing needs of geographically-specific community demographics.

Education

Master of Community & Regional Planning | University of Oregon
Emphasis: Transportation Planning, Land Use, Spatial Policy

Bachelor of Arts | St. Cloud State University
Major: Sociology | Minor: Human Relations

Certificate | St. Cloud State University
Planning & Community Development

Associate of Arts | Minneapolis Community College

Professional Development & Certifications

Currently Pursuing:

  • GIS Certificate | Portland Community College (Expected 2026)

Career Certificates:

  • Digital Marketing & E-commerce Professional | Google
  • Workflow Specialist | Asana

Professional Affiliations & Interests

  • Geographic Information Science
  • Critical Cartography & Social Mapping
  • Open-Source Geospatial Technologies
  • Equity-Focused Spatial Analysis
  • Transportation Geography
  • Community-Based Participatory Mapping