Ali is a planner focused on urban redevelopment, public realm, and historic preservation. She is currently the Director of Planning and Development for the City of Newburgh, NY where much of her work focuses on redevelopment and economic development, remedies for severely distressed property, and inclusionary and participatory planning. She has previously held positions with the City of Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and with several consulting firms focusing on municipal planning and economic development. Ali holds an undergraduate degree from Bard College and graduate degrees in City Planning and Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania. She lives with her family in Newburgh, NY. Ali joined the VHV board in 2022.