Planning

Leslie completed a Master's of Water Resources with a minor in Community and Regional Planning in 2009. Coursework included projects such as developing and recommending Master Plan criteria for Bernalillo County, and developing a wetlands monitoring plan for use by Earth Works Institute. She also completed classes in public dispute resolution and urban design.

In 2002-2004, Leslie was active in regional water planning and shared the technical editing contract for the Middle Rio Grande Regional Water Plan, where she worked on behalf of the Water Assembly and with the Mid-Region Council of Governments. She and a colleague compiled and edited the information making up the main body of the plan as well as an extensive collection of archival information documenting the plan development. At the time, Leslie also managed the Water Assembly website.

For her Water Resources Professional Project, Leslie developed a workshop targeted to water users in the Lower Rio Grande Adjudication. She piloted this workshop to a test group. Participating water users said that it was extremely helpful to their understanding of the adjudication process and how to participate.

You can view a presentation about the workshop or read the professional project report, Preparing Water Users in the Lower Rio Grande for Adjudication Through an Informative Workshop.