Ariel Felix

Course: PLAN 6601 – State, Market and Governance in Planning Teach a graduate-level course that examines the institutional frameworks shaping professional planning practice. The course explores the respective roles and boundaries of the market and the state, and analyzes governance, civic participation, deliberative processes, and social movements—highlighting their opportunities and limits.

Lead the implementation of the $6M Multi Sector Community Mitigation Program funded under HUD’s and PRDOH CDBG-MIT initiative, focused on community relocation, housing infrastructure improvement, and risk reduction for vulnerable populations.

Project Manager for the 4339-0001 Code Enforcement project, that aims to enforce the requirements of the permitting process for planning, zoning, and building codes, and to address violations of this process, including issues with informal construction of structures throughout the island. The project's goal is to create a more resilient Puerto Rico and to mitigate future damage to structures from natural hazards.

Serve as the Point of Contact (POC) for the CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT Planning Programs, focusing on the overall recovery strategy to ensure preparedness and protection from future events. Mitigation and Adaptation Policy Support (MAPS) Program: A $10M program that involves identifying and analyzing existing rules, laws, regulations, and policies that impact hazards, risk, mitigation, and resilience on the Island, and proposing amendments to strengthen their mitigative and resilience impact. Also propose the development of a policy toolbox that includes best practices, model ordinances, funding models, and other regulatory documents that can be adapted to local circumstances. The Vacant Property Assessment Initiative, a $11M program designed to assist municipalities in identifying abandoned properties.

Represented the Department of Transportation and Public Works and the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority in complex legal matters, including administrative and judicial procedures. Key areas of expertise include: Acting as Legal Representative at PRHWTA Construction Area Change Order and Extra-Work Order Committee on State and Federal funded Transportation Projects, as well as FEMA Disaster Recovery Coordination on FEMA DR-4336/4339-PR Assistance for PR-25 (Paseo de Puerta de Tierra) Landslide. Expertise in Federal Highway Administration Regulations, Eminent Domain and Inverse Condemnation cases, General Litigation, Torts, Government Contract Law interpretation, Public Notary, Labor Affairs, Legal Memorandums, Court Appeal Process, Government Regulations, and Public Private Partnership (PPP) contracts coordination.

Responsible for overseeing a team of lawyers and managing the litigation process for property acquisition related to state and federally funded transportation projects at the PRHWTA. I represented the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Authority in meetings and judicial procedures, with a particular focus on property acquisition, eminent domain, and inverse condemnation cases. My duties also involved coordinating with the PRHWTA Appraisal, Design, Construction, and Finance areas to ensure smooth operations and effective communication across departments. Some of my key accomplishments during this role included: Successfully leading negotiations and settlements in high-profile eminent domain cases, resulting in substantial cost savings for the agency; Streamlining the property acquisition process by developing new protocols for communication and information-sharing across departments; Developing and delivering training programs for PRHWTA staff on the legal and regulatory requirements of property acquisition, including compliance with state and federal laws and regulations.

Supervised and analyzed research for the development of the Puerto Rico Highway and Transportation Transit Oriented Development Program within the Strategic Planning Office. Conducted land use surveys, analyzed demographic and economic data in Tren Urbano Transit Station surroundings, and analyzed mass transportation routes to make recommendations for improving the Transit System. Prepared planning and job-related reports and assisted in the search for funding sources and writing grant proposals.

Conducted research and assisted in the development of the Transit Oriented Development Program within the Strategic Planning Office; Conducted land use surveys, analyzed demographic and economic data in Tren Urbano Transit Station surroundings, and analyzed mass transportation routes to make recommendations for improving the Transit System; Assisted in pursuing federal funding sources and writing grant proposals; Prepared planning and job-related reports.

Responsible for the Planning, Municipal Services coordination, and Historic Preservation of the Old San Juan Historical Site. Coordinated with Federal Agencies such as the U.S. National Park Service and the San Juan Bankruptcy Court, and with State Agencies including The Puerto Rican Institute of Culture and The Puerto Rico Tourism Company. Other tasks included endorsing street vendor location and permits, coordinating construction projects, monitoring Historic Preservation Regulations, serving as a member of the Board of Director of the Corporation for the Development of Old San Juan (CODEVISA), and coordinating Infrastructure Improvement Projects such as gas lines improvements and electrical underground infrastructure.