Jo McClellan MPIA 

Senior Executive, Policy & Advocacy

Jo McClellan MPIA is a social policy and strategic planning expert who joined the Planning Institute of Australia as Senior Executive, Policy and Advocacy, bringing more than two decades of experience across government, industry and consulting. Her expertise sits at the intersection of housing policy, urban planning, social infrastructure, health and the built environment, and social impact assessment, with a strong focus on shaping policy that delivers better outcomes for people, places and communities.
 
Jo has worked across state and local government, universities and the private sector, leading complex policy, strategy and engagement projects with a strong emphasis on implementation and real-world impact. Her experience spans precinct-scale social infrastructure planning through to whole-of-government reform and national policy discussions, navigating complex urban and social challenges through collaborative leadership, strategic advocacy and cross-sector engagement.
 
A career highlight was leading the development of the first comprehensive housing strategy for NSW, a 20-year vision and delivery framework that helped shape housing policy across the state. She has also held senior roles within the NSW Government, Ethos Urban and BBC Consulting Planners, and most recently founded Two Things Pty Ltd, a boutique policy and social planning consultancy focused on housing, wellbeing and strategic urban outcomes.
 
Jo is recognised for bringing together government, industry and community stakeholders to navigate complex policy environments, build consensus and drive practical reform. Her work has focused on helping shape more sustainable, inclusive and well-designed environments through evidence-based policy, strategic advocacy and integrated planning approaches.

Jo currently works within both the PIA Policy & Advocacy Team and the NSW/ACT Division. 

Location: NSW

Email: [email protected]