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Meet the Team

Meet the Team

RainCity Partnerships is not vertically integrated, meaning CIS does not self-perform the work. The role of the Program Manager is to connect with local experts, WMBE and BIPoC-led organizations to integrate outreach, design and performance.

CIS

Brenda Gardner

Jean Jensen

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU)

Seattle Public Utilities provides programs and opportunities that enable all of us to care for our environment together. SPU fosters healthy people, environment, and economy by partnering with the community to equitably manage water and waste resources for today and future generations.
Visit the Seattle Public Utilities Website
RainCity Partnerships is further driven and bolstered by an exceptional team of subcontractors, each contributing their unique passion and expertise to this program.
Cynthia Wong Site Design
Herrera (Science + Planning + Design)
Richard Martin Groundwater LLC
RKI Planning Engineering
S&A Communications
Waterfunder
Weld Works

CIS

Collaborating with local leaders and passionate community members, we’re dedicated to helping cities withstand climate challenges. Since 2015, we have led some of our nation’s largest urban greening programs. These programs not only create opportunities for small, local businesses but also offer valuable environmental education for members in these communities.

Our approach is centered on:

  • Bringing together unparalleled economic and social co-benefits.
  • Fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors.
  • Using innovative financial strategies to advance community-driven projects.
  • Establishing clear goals and metrics to measure program success.
  • Always respecting and working towards the community’s vision of a resilient

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Brenda Gardner

Program Director

With extensive expertise, Brenda, a registered Professional Engineer, has accumulated 15 years of invaluable experience working in both the private and public sectors. Their work covers everything from
planning and designing to analyzing and managing stormwater and wastewater infrastructure programs and projects.

What makes Brenda really stand out is their commitment to equity and community. They served as a race and social justice co-lead for Seattle Public Utilities, using principles of racial equity to shape
projects and programs. Brenda isn’t just about getting the job done; they are a relational leader who believes in fostering creativity, communication, and collaboration among all stakeholders to ensure our projects and programs are a success.

Outside of work, you can find Brenda indulging in various hobbies. They enjoy bouldering, drawn to the problem solving aspects of scaling rocks, tending to their garden, baking bread, pastries and cakes, or
embarking on adventures with their partner, exploring new destinations and old favorites.

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Jean Jensen

Associate Coordinator

Jean is the Associate Coordinator for CIS’s Seattle Team and leads community outreach and engagement for the RainCity Partnerships Program. She has an educational background in environmental science and economics. Jean comes to us from the nonprofit world, where she focused on fundraising and communications. Jean is passionate about integrating nature based solutions into urban environments to build climate resilience. 

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