Nader Afzalan, Ph.D.

Nader Afzalan, Ph.D., is the Founder and CEO of TheTriangle, a position he has held since October 2010. He is a seasoned professional with over 20 years of experience in urban planning, design, and policy implementation across various sectors, including government, non-profits, and technology startups.

Education and Career

Afzalan earned his Ph.D. in urban planning and design from the University of Colorado Denver and holds a Master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Tehran. His extensive background includes roles such as Senior Advisor at the California Governor’s Office of Planning and Research, where he leads initiatives focused on climate resilience, environmental justice, and innovative stakeholder engagement.125

Contributions and Publications

Dr. Afzalan has contributed significantly to the field through his research, authoring over 30 articles and book chapters in high-impact journals. His work often intersects data analytics with urban technology to address contemporary challenges in urban environments.12 He has also been involved in developing innovative solutions for community engagement and participatory planning, emphasizing the importance of grassroots involvement in urban development.3

Current Focus

As the CEO of TheTriangle, Afzalan continues to leverage his expertise to drive forward-thinking solutions in urban planning and community resilience, making significant contributions to the discourse on sustainable urban development and climate adaptation strategies.46