Our Approach

  • Listen first

  • Bridge common ground

  • Convert naysayers

  • Think independently

  • Break bad rules

  • Innovate solutions

  • Respect history

  • Promote good things

  • Be scrappy and stretch budgets 

  • Genuinely care

  • Have fun!

Our Founder

April Economides founded Holistic Cities (originally Green Octopus Consulting) on Earth Day 2003. She’s a healthy communities strategist and cross-sector connector with more than 25 years of experience at the intersection of urbanism, sustainability, health, the arts, and economic development. She created the first bicycle-friendly business districts in North America and helps create complete streets, parks, edible gardens, and placemaking programs.

She holds an undergraduate degree in History, an MBA in Sustainability, several certificates in green design, and dual US/EU citizenship. She’s an innovative thinker with a knack for bridging divides through common ground and actionable solutions. In her spare time, you can find her outside. 

For more about April’s background, visit AprilEconomides.com