EJDP in the news - Shoutout Colorado (Copy)
Meet Electra Johnson | Planner, Designer, Owner EJD+P – Executive Director Manitou SPrings Urban Renewal Authority.
March 26, 2025 Leave a reply
We had the good fortune of connecting with Electra Johnson and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Electra, how do you think about risk?
Risk-taking has been central to my life and career—though I don’t always think of it as “risk” in the traditional sense. It’s more about stepping into the unknown, following what feels right, and trusting that the work will resonate.
Every major move I’ve made—whether starting my own firm, advocating for communities that feel overlooked, or pushing for policy changes that challenge the status quo—has involved a level of uncertainty. But I’ve never been interested in playing it safe. I believe the best work happens when you’re fully invested, heart-first, in something you know matters.
The biggest risks often come with the biggest rewards, not necessarily in money or recognition, but in impact. The moments when I’ve put myself out there—taking on complex community projects, speaking out about issues others avoid, or leading initiatives without a clear roadmap—those are the moments that have shaped my career. They’re also the moments that have connected me with the right people, the ones who share the same vision and commitment.
To me, risk-taking isn’t about recklessness. It’s about conviction. It’s about looking at a problem, understanding the potential consequences, and still deciding to move forward because the work is worth it. If I had played it safe, I wouldn’t be doing what I love, working on projects that matter, or making a real difference in the places and communities I care about.
So if there’s a lesson in all this, it’s simple: Trust yourself. Lead with your heart. The right risks aren’t about fear—they’re about believing in something deeply enough to take the leap.
Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At EJD+P, we are deeply committed to creating places of sanctuary and community that connect people to the elemental nature of place and landscape. We believe that planning and design should empower people, preserve resources, and build sustainable futures for generations to come.
What Sets Us Apart
We specialize in rural planning and advocacy—an area that is often overlooked in larger planning efforts. Unlike many firms that focus solely on urban development, we prioritize small towns, rural communities, and the landscapes that define them. Our work ranges from master planning, land use code updates, and strategic infrastructure planning to designing custom homes, schoolyards, fairgrounds, riverwalks, wildlife sanctuaries, and transit systems. We bridge the gap between policy, planning, and implementation, ensuring that what we design can be funded and realized.
Our unique approach is deeply collaborative—we listen, we engage, and we create solutions that honor the needs of each community while fostering economic and environmental resilience. Whether working on a downtown revitalization plan, wildfire-resilient housing, or equitable water and energy solutions, we advocate for long-term sustainability and community-driven decision-making.
The Journey: How We Got Here
I founded my design studio in 2008, originally focused on redeveloping downtowns, transit-oriented development, community corridor planning, and smart growth strategies. However, in 2020, I had a realization: rural communities in Colorado were being left behind—lacking infrastructure, funding, and the same level of advocacy that urban areas received. I knew that had to change.
I reorganized EJD+P to focus specifically on rural planning and advocacy—addressing land use challenges, implementing economic revitalization strategies, and supporting communities in securing funding for infrastructure and sustainable growth. It wasn’t an easy shift—rural planning is underfunded and often faces bureaucratic roadblocks—but we’ve found creative, resourceful solutions to ensure projects don’t just remain ideas but become reality.
Overcoming Challenges & Lessons Learned
Rural planning comes with unique challenges, from limited budgets to navigating complex regulatory environments. One of the biggest hurdles is funding implementation—plans often get written but lack the financial resources to move forward. At EJD+P, we proactively seek funding opportunities for the communities we serve, ensuring that plans don’t just sit on a shelf but become actionable roadmaps for real change.
Another challenge has been shifting mindsets. Many rural communities are hesitant about planning efforts, having seen projects fail or be dictated from the outside. Deep listening and true collaboration are at the heart of our process—we ensure that local voices drive the vision, not just outside experts.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is that resilient communities are built through both planning and action. Whether it’s advocating for affordable housing in Park County, designing fireproof homes in the Wildland-Urban Interface, or creating riverwalks and public spaces that reconnect people to nature, our work is about solving today’s problems while preparing for tomorrow’s challenges.
What We Want the World to Know
We believe that the choices we make today will shape the future for our children and grandchildren. Whether it’s how we design homes, manage water resources, build infrastructure, or revitalize economies, we must approach planning with a long-term vision.
At EJD+P, we are dedicated to:
• Building resilient communities through sustainable planning and design
• Advocating for rural areas to receive the same level of investment as urban centers
• Creating local economic opportunities that keep wealth circulating within small communities
• Protecting and preserving natural landscapes while fostering responsible development
• Innovating solutions that respond to the climate, economic, and social challenges of our time
We also believe in dreaming big and working resourcefully—the problems of this century won’t be solved with the same thinking that created them. Our role is to rethink, reimagine, and rebuild in ways that honor both people and place.
Through our work, we aim to leave communities better, stronger, and more connected than we found them. Whether we’re designing a schoolyard, a wildlife corridor, or an entire county’s land use plan, our mission is clear: to create places that sustain life, foster belonging, and build a legacy for the future.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Some of my favorite spots in Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs make this place feel like home. Sushi Spot, owned by Ethan, is more than just a restaurant—it’s a place that feels like family, where we always feel welcome. Ming’s Sushi at Sushi spot is hands-down the best sushi in town, not just for the food but because the hospitality makes every visit feel special. When it comes to comfort food, Savelli’s is where Garfield himself would pilfer lasagna, and the cozy, homey atmosphere makes it a go-to spot. For brunch, nothing beats Adams Mountain Café, where the food is always incredible, and their desserts are the best in town. Summa is another favorite, serving up the best fried chicken around, especially on trivia night, which makes for a fun and lively evening. When it comes to coffee, Story Coffee is my top pick—their perfectly brewed drinks are the best way to start the day. Streetcar 520, where I designed the interior, is one of my go-to lunch spots, offering a stylish and inviting atmosphere with fantastic food to match. Another favorite is Shuga’s, which hands-down has the best lunch and drinks in town, making it the perfect midday stop. I also love spending time in the First Friday galleries in Manitou, where the local art scene comes alive each month.
Beyond the food and art, some of my favorite ways to unwind involve taking in the natural beauty of the area. A peaceful walk along Cheyenne Creek offers the perfect escape, especially when followed by a quiet tea at the tea house tucked under Jake and Telly’s, a hidden gem where you can sip something warm and let the world slow down. For an even deeper sense of relaxation, an evening soak at SunWater Spa is pure magic—soaking in the mineral-rich hot tubs under the stars, with the scent of cedar in the air, is the perfect way to end a day. And of course, the region’s trails never disappoint, with my favorites being Garden of the Gods, Barr Trail, and Cheyenne Canyon trails. Whether it’s a great meal, a beautiful hike, or a quiet moment of reflection, these places make Manitou Springs and Colorado Springs feel like home.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes 2 people – Nicole Anthony Schiff – Development Director Early Connections and Scott Johnson, Chair of the Art department in Colorado College.
Website: https://www.electrajohnson.org
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/electrajohnsondesign/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/electra-johnson-2100a585/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/electra.johnson.5
Image Credits
Scott Johnson, Tracie Woods image credits