About Us

 Ms. Morris is committed to, and passionate about, being a stakeholder in our community, participating in community discussions regarding land use and new development, and as an advocate for historic preservation and quality design that conserves the character of neighborhoods throughout Southern California.
Ms. Morris participates in the Los Angeles Planning and Zoning Committee, where we review development proposals in our area, and make recommendations to the UNNC Governing Board, the Los Angeles City Planning Department, and ultimately the elected City CouncilMember.
Ms. Morris makes every effort to find consensus between the development community and local neighbors. Her work in what's considered #BlackLA, is facing a housing crisis and a need to encourage development, but this community is also filled with designated historic landmarks and historic residential districts; its commercial corridors are filled with striking, century-old brick structures. 

The question always is, when we are reviewing proposed projects: Will the new (infill) building be compatible, in terms of both architecture and, frankly, impacts, with the existing built form and the community? Will it be neighborhood-serving? Will it be of a quality that the new structure would survive another 100 years? 

Ms. Morris attempts to find a balance, giving advice to applicants that may make their projects better financially, while also making their projects better for the community.

Recently participating in community meetings regarding the proposed Metro/Watt Companies Joint Development, “Crenshaw Crossings”, a major catalyst project in our area, located at the intersection of the current Expo Line light rail and (to open) Crenshaw light rail. The project itself has been a lightning rod for criticism along with “applause” as an important transit-oriented project. Ms. Morris has provided a balanced voice in the discussions.

Marisha works with Urban Land Institute (ULI - Orange County/Inland Empire), as a volunteer: facilitator, city council member and team leader in their UrbanPlan program which helps cities to “revitalize, rethink, repurpose and reimagine” their urban landscape. The UrbanPlan program has been instrumental in creating engaged citizens, developing professional skills and in leveraging public/private partnerships.

Ms. Morris has been involved projects in Fullerton, CA. and Huntington Beach, CA, and Orange Coast College. Also, facilitating similar projects with the National League of Cities, focused on Alabama; and high school students who are attending a summer program through MIT and Columbia University.