Laurie Zapalac is the founding principal of Zapalac Advisors, a consulting practice specializing in research, planning, and program support for community and economic development. She collaborates with clients across sectors to develop innovative, place-based strategies that create lasting value while driving regeneration and resilience. Laurie earned a PhD in Urban Planning from MIT, where her research focused on the factors influencing entrepreneurs' choices to live and work in historic maritime cities, including Venice, Amsterdam, and Boston. She also holds an MS in Architectural Studies from the University of Texas at Austin and a BA in Architectural History and BS in Archaeology from the University of Virginia.
In her free time, Laurie enjoys leading tours on behalf of the Friends of the Boston Harborwalk and exploring local bakeries.
From Data to Development: Empowering how we Define the Creative Economy
Quantifying the true scale and impact of the creative economy as a vital part of communities across Massachusetts has historically been a challenge. Until now.