Congratulations to SSMMA Deputy Executive Director of Transportation & Infrastructure Dennis Lat

Deputy Executive Director of Transportation & Infrastructure Dennis Latto (center) at a recent I-57 / Stuenkel Road Interchange ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Please join us in congratulating Dennis Latto on his promotion to Deputy Executive Director of Transportation & Infrastructure in September of this year.

He has worked as a planner and geographical information system (GIS) specialist for the South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association for the last four years, as well as an associate professor at the University of Illinois – Chicago, teaching graduate level GIS. He developed an expertise on planning protects regarding brownfield redevelopment for purposes of spurring economic development and stormwater management by means of green infrastructure in southern Cook County. Mr. Latto has also provided GIS and project management support for the Millennium Reserve Green Infrastructure mapping process, as well as the Midlothian Creek Green Infrastructure Plan. Additionally, Mr. Latto has led the implementation initiative for the Millennium Reserve Green Infrastructure Plan by establishing several green infrastructure sites throughout the south suburbs of Chicago.

Through his planning and GIS experience, Dennis garnered an understanding of both gray and green infrastructure as well as land-use master panning, which led him to transportation. Working in economic development, Dennis assisted on several transit-oriented development plans for the region looking to spur growth in areas near transit stations. He also participated on SSMMA and CMAP’s regional bicycle/trail plan.

Dennis says that transportation planning has always been close to his heart. He looks forward to servicing the region by creating new transportation infrastructure with the goal of furthering economic growth with sustainable, well-thought-out designs.

Mr. Latto has a bachelor’s degree in Urban and Regional Planning from the University of Illinois and a Master’s degree in Urban Planning and Policy from University of Illinois Chicago with a concentration in Land Use Planning and GIS.