Brian Estabrook

Policy Specialist

 

Brian Estabrook is an urban and food systems planner based in Columbus, Ohio, with a decade of experience designing and managing complex, community-centered initiatives. He specializes in strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, and equitable program implementation across food systems, public health, sustainability, and economic development.

As the Food Systems Planner for Franklin County, Ohio, Brian led the County’s comprehensive local food strategy, resulting in over $1 million in new public investments for the local food economy, including essential support for small-scale growers, urban farms, community gardens, and food entrepreneurs.

Brian’s career is defined by a commitment to equity and strategic systems change. He brings not only technical proficiency, but also a deep relational approach to the projects he leads, shaped by his commitment to place-based community engagement. Whether leading research, facilitating coalitions, managing projects, or navigating government bureaucracy, Brian centers community voice and long-term impact.

Brian holds an M.A. in Peace and Justice Studies from the University of San Diego, where his thesis analyzed the intersection of food security and land security in Mozambique. He also serves as Board President for Yay Bikes!, a bike advocacy nonprofit that is working to advance mobility justice and sustainable transportation in Central Ohio.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 Whatcom County Food System Plan

In 2021, the Whatcom County Food System Committee conducted a community food assessment that pointed to key opportunities to build a more robust and resilient regional food system. New Venture Advisors partnered with Whatcom County staff and the Food System Committee to draft a Whatcom County Food System Plan that builds upon these findings. This Plan focuses on five key goals for building a more equitable, sustainable, and resilient food system, and was informed by an inclusive community engagement process. The Food System Plan will provide the county with a policy roadmap that will strengthen the local food system for years to come. (2023)

 Whatcom Local Food Campus

The Whatcom Community Foundation invests in activities and organizations that improve the ability of people to help themselves, increase connections among people, and take cooperative approaches to community issues. WCF is exploring the development of a local food campus on a waterfront property that would become a multi-tenant site, anchored by a collaborative production kitchen benefitting food access, school system, and community organizations. The goal is strengthening Whatcom County’s local food system by promoting health equity, forging tangible strategic connections between food production organizations, and helping farmers connect with institutional markets. The facility will also feature an incubation kitchen, demonstration kitchen, event and classroom space, collaborative office and conference facilities, and housing.  New Venture Advisors developed the business case for this ambitious project and continues to support its development through engagement and operational development. (2023)