Volunteers.
A committee of 18 urban change makers.
The Uptown Community Planning Group brings together residents, business owners, property owners, renters, architects, designers, planners, educators, engineers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates. Together, they contribute local knowledge, professional expertise, and diverse perspectives to help strengthen the design, character, culture, and civic life of Uptown.
Board Members
Matt Driver
Chair
University Heights
Resident Owner
Matt is a longtime University Heights resident and Chair of Uptown Community Planning Group. As the father of three boys growing up in Uptown, he is committed to preserving neighborhood character and ensuring future generations enjoy the same strong sense of community.
Patty Ducey Brooks
Vice Chair
Mission Hills
Resident Owner
Election Committee Chair
Patty serves as Vice Chair of Uptown Community Planning Group. A longtime Uptown resident and dedicated community volunteer, she is committed to thoughtful planning, preserving neighborhood character, and helping residents have a meaningful voice in shaping Uptown's future.
Mary Brown
Treasurer
Medical Complex
Resident Owner
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.
Mariana Aguilar
Secretary
Midtown
Resident Renter
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.
Board Members / Committee Chairs
Kyle Amdahl
Uptown Business Representative
Amdahl Design / LOCALiSD
Chair - Community Engagement
Kyle Amdahl is a longtime Uptown business owner and resident and internationally recognized hospitality / retail brand designer, he is passionate about strengthening neighborhoods through thoughtful design, meaningful public engagement, and creative problem solving.
Margit Whitlock
Business Rep
Architectural Concepts Inc.
Margit Whitlock is the Business Representative for Architectural Concepts, Inc. An architect and former president of the San Diego Architectural Foundation, she brings decades of experience in design, planning, and community leadership, with a passion for creating vibrant, people-centered neighborhoods.
Tamara Ratliffe
Uptown Business Representative
Lewis and Fay Collective
Chair - Parking Transportation
Tamara Ratliffe is a business representative for Lewis & Fay. A longtime advocate for Uptown, she believes thriving neighborhoods are built through collaboration, strong local businesses, and thoughtful community planning.
Mike Singleton
Uptown Resident Owner
Project Collaboration
Balboa Park Special Assignment
Mike Singleton a landscape architect and park planner, he brings decades of experience in community planning, public spaces, and park design. He is passionate about preserving neighborhoods, enhancing public spaces, and planning for the
long-term benefit of Uptown.
Jeff Walker
Historic Resources Committee
Non-Profit Representative
Save Our Heritage Organization
With a vision for building something meaningful, our founder brings a blend of big-picture thinking and hands-on experience. They set the tone for everything we do.
Board Members
Robert Barry
Hillcrest • Resident Renter
Robert Barry serves on the Uptown Community Planning Group Board representing Hillcrest as a Resident Renter. He believes active community participation and thoughtful planning help create vibrant, welcoming neighborhoods that serve both residents and local businesses.
Michael Neville
Medical Complex • Resident Renter
Michael Neville Is dedicated to improving pedestrian safety, neighborhood beautification, and responsible development, bringing a hands-on approach to identifying community issues and working with the City to find practical solutions.
Scott Case
Middletown • Resident Owner
Scott Case serves on the Uptown Community Planning Group Board representing Middletown as a Resident Owner. He is committed to responsible planning, balanced growth, and ensuring community voices help shape the future of Uptown.
Andreas Mantius
Mission Hills
Resident Renter
Andreas Mantius draws on experience managing complex infrastructure projects and building strategic partnerships, he is passionate about guiding thoughtful growth while preserving the character and legacy of Uptown's historic neighborhoods.
Stuart Duffy
Hillcrest • Resident Owner
Stuart Duffy serves on the Uptown Community Planning Group Board representing Hillcrest as a Resident Owner. He is committed to thoughtful planning, neighborhood livability, and supporting balanced growth that strengthens Uptown while preserving the character of its communities.
David Lugo
Business Representative
Modern Trends Furniture
David Lugo is A lifelong San Diegan with experience in nonprofit, healthcare, business, and public service, he is committed to responsible growth, transparent decision-making, and strengthening partnerships between residents and local businesses to help Uptown thrive
Ashley Dudley
Bankers Hill • Resident Renter
Ashley Dudley serves on the Uptown Community Planning Group Board representing Bankers Hill as a Resident Renter. An attorney and business owner, she supports thoughtful growth that pairs new housing with parks, neighborhood services, and walkable communities that improve everyday life for residents.
Julia Williams
Business Representative
(Hope Elementary School)
Julia Williams Is an educator and community leader, she is passionate about strengthening connections between schools, families, and neighborhoods while supporting thoughtful planning that creates safe, welcoming, and vibrant communities for future generations.
Aarthy Lakshamanan
University Heights • Resident Renter
Aarthy Lakshamanan serves on the Uptown Community Planning Group Board representing University Heights as a Resident Renter. She is committed to thoughtful community planning, inclusive public engagement, and helping create neighborhoods that are welcoming, connected, and resilient.