Student and Alumni Spotlights

Justin Alexander

Intersecting public service, community design and participatory planning

Justin Alexander

Urban Planning and Design, Class of 2022

  • Hometown: New Port Richey, Florida
  • Interests/hobbies: short story-writing, photography, urban sketching

Justin arrived at Rutgers having been shaped by childhood interests in medicine and community service—and with an expectation that he would someday become a doctor. But he was also interested in a career in public service and found himself fascinated by the communities in and around Tampa, Florida, where he grew up.

An introductory course in urban planning taught by Professor Barbara Faga inspired Justin to pursue the subject. From there, he discovered the Bloustein School’s Urban Planning and Design program. Though unfamiliar with the subject, he knew he wanted to learn more about a career where he could improve communities through policy and urban design. Professor Faga, whose expertise in public participation overlapped with Justin’s research interests, mentored his departmental honors research project. This further inspired him to consider participatory planning in his future research and career.

As part of the Urban Planning and Design major, Justin is working toward completing the Certificate in Community Sustainability. He is also involved in several student organizations on campus, serving as the Undergraduate Chair of EJB|DESIGNS, the Co-President of the Bloustein Public Service Association, and Campus Section Editor of the Eagleton Political Journal. Justin has also used his student membership with the American Planning Association to attend industry events, build his professional network, and bring resources to his peers at the Bloustein School.

Looking ahead, Justin plans to attend law school in the fall of 2022 and is considering pursuing a dual J.D./Master of City Planning. Justin would like to practice law at the intersection of planning, design, and public policy, with an eye to consensus-building and community participation.

Advice for prospective students: Get involved early with the student organizations and resources available at the Bloustein School. Also, take early advantage of free student memberships to professional organizations, such as the American Planning Association.

Alumni Update

Justin is an Assistant City Attorney at the City of Miami Beach, Florida. Justin’s practice primarily focuses on land use and zoning, real property, ethics, and drafting of legislation. Justin previously clerked for the Division of Florida Condominiums, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes and a boutique commercial litigation firm in Coral Gables, Florida.

Justin was admitted to the Florida Bar in September 2025, and received a dual honors J.D., cum laude, and Robert Traurig–Greenberg Traurig LL.M. in Real Property Development at the University of Miami School of Law in May 2025. While in law school, he was an Articles & Comments Editor of the University of Miami Race and Social Justice Law Review, a member of the Charles C. Papy, Jr. Moot Court Board, and an intern and fellow of the Environmental Justice Clinic.
 
Justin received his B.S., summa cum laude and with Highest Honors as an Honors College Scholar, in Urban Planning and Design from Rutgers University in 2022. While at Bloustein, Justin was the undergraduate chair of EJB|Designs and co-president of the Bloustein Public Service Association. He also completed a capstone under the supervision of Professor of Professional Practice Barbara Faga.
 
“My major laid the foundation for the work that I do in my daily practice, which is centered in one of Florida’s fastest-growing regions. The urban planning major courses, from site planning and graphic communications to historic preservation, help me better understand complex planning issues and competently advise my client,” says Justin.