Pedro Soto

Pedro is responsible for advancing TDI's creative economy initiatives including TDI Creative Cities, and TDI Creative Catalyst Grants, and incorporating this work into the broader programmatic areas in the department and division. He will be working closely with Alejandro Lopez and a position is yet to be hired to amplify the data and storytelling work. Pedro will serve a leadership role with respect to arts, the cultural economy, and creative placemaking, as they launch the expanded TDI program. He received his Bachelor of Science in Liberal Arts from Salem State University and a Masters of Regional Planning from UMass Amherst. Most recently Pedro served as Planning and Development Director with the City of Lawrence, where he administered the city's land use planning, oversaw the Planning Board and Zoning Board of Appeal, and advanced planning and economic development initiatives on behalf of the city. Prior to his work in Lawrence, Pedro served as the Associate Director at Beyond Walls, Inc., headquartered in downtown Lynn. There, he managed local government relations and project management. Before serving at Beyond Walls, Pedro was a City Planner with the city of Peabody.