Lindsay Smith

Lindsay, AICP, is a Planning and Food Systems Consultant, currently working with the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments (COG) as its Regional Food Systems Value Chain Coordinator. Founded in 1957, COG is an independent, nonprofit association, with a membership of 300 elected officials from 22 local governments, the Maryland and Virginia state legislatures, and U.S. Congress. COG brings area leaders together to address major regional issues in metropolitan Washington. The Regional Food Systems Value Chain Coordination Program is made possible by a partnership with the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its new Food LINC program.

Prior to her work at COG, Lindsay consulted with philanthropy on strengthening local and regional food systems and improving food access. She’s also served as a local food council coordinator, consulted on land conservation, and worked as a practicing urban planner. Lindsay holds a master’s in urban planning and a master’s in environmental policy from the University of Michigan. She is a member of American Institute of Certified Planners and serves on the Board of the National Capital Area Chapter of the American Planning Association. She is a member of Future Harvest CASA, the Virginia Association of Biological Farming, and Virginia Farm Bureau.

Quote regarding her participation in VALOR: “I am thrilled to join the third class of the VALOR program. It’s an exciting time to learn about the diverse programs, investments, and people which are propelling the growth of Virginia’s agricultural economy. I look forward to bringing a deeper understanding of VA agriculture to my work, colleagues, and network in metropolitan Washington to grow our region’s local food economy.”