About Donjek

Donjek’s principal Jon Commers translates public finance and economics, planning and urban design concepts, and perception of cultural and political dynamics into effective project management and redevelopment strategy.

Jon’s background includes 25+ years of work in redevelopment and related policy fields. He’s served as a developer and worked in the capital markets in addition to consulting for private, public and nonprofit sector clients on urban projects with Donjek. In addition, Jon is managing principal of Visible City, a firm helping clients to access and interpret big data for decision making in cities. Since 2014, Jon has served as an adjunct instructor in the Urban Studies program at the University of Minnesota. He is an active member of the LAI land economics society.

Previously, between 2011-19, Jon served two terms representing Saint Paul on the Metropolitan Council, where he served in leadership roles and was active on a range of transportation, land use, housing and related issues. Jon has been involved as a leader with nonprofit organizations, including as co-founder of land use advocacy organization Strong Towns.