Della Rucker has been working on practical systems to build healthy local economies for nearly 30 years. Della has designed systems for accelerating economic revitalization, growing healthy small businesses, fostering intelligent land use and creating inclusive public engagement. Della is one of fewer than 10 persons in the US to hold the industry-standard professional certifications in both planning (AICP) and economic development (CEcD).

In addition to the Wise Economy Workshop, Della is the Executive Director of the Good Hood Foundation, which focuses on growing minority businesses and minority-led business communities. She is also co-founder of Econogy, a groundbreaking company that accelerates innovation in businesses, organizations and communities.

Prior to WEW, Della served as National Lead for Economic Development for Jacobs Engineering Group. At Jacobs and predecessor organizations, Della led comprehensive and other plan development for over 50 communities in multiple states; conducted extensive data analysis as well as large-scale public engagement initiatives; and led development of a groundbreaking fiscal impact analysis tool for three states.

Della is the author of several books, including The Local Economy Revolution Has Arrived, Everybody Innovates Here, Crowdsourcing Wisdom. and over a hundred shorter pieces across multiple platforms. She produces the weekly subscription newsletter Future Here Now, which highlights and explains what contemporary developments are showing us about how communities, organizations and professionals can best adapt to the unfolding Fusion Era.

An energetic speaker known for hands-on sessions that get attendees moving, laughing and thinking, Della has given more than 150 keynotes, workshops and trainings on topics ranging from emerging economic trends to inclusive public engagement.

Specialties include: Large Group Decision-Making, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Economic Development, Urban Planning, Community Development, Project Management, Civic Tech, Public Participation, Online Public Engagement, Allyship, and more.