Firm Profile

Cogito LLC specializes in bringing the public into sophisticated dialogue about economic, land use and transportation issues.  Creative methods for conveying complex information, ability to clearly articulate differences in perspectives, and decades of experience negotiating workable solutions characterize our public engagement strategies.  Based in Lane County, Cogito is a local partnership of three women who hold 50 years of combined experience in the fields of land use, transportation, and economics:

Ellen Teninty

Ellen is known for insightful analysis and strategic action to bring new chemistry to public processes. She can engage complex economic issues; hold the challenge of political realities; orchestrate discussion amongst widely varied perspectives; and push unlikely partners to common purpose. Locally, she has recently directed two large master planning efforts, each directly engaging more than 1,000 residents, many of them first time public meeting attendees.

Her clients say that she is the most gifted of facilitators, who brings calm, humor and an experienced perspective to her work.  She is known to actively include all voices, which is critical when working on polarizing issues and on highly technical issues. Ellen is a graduate of Harvard University and does this work because she believes that a well-run democratic process is a requirement for a just society. Resume.

Christian L. Watchie

Chris has worked since 1994 developing innovative and successful approaches for NW transportation and land use decisions. Her firm’s primary focus has been creative public outreach models for community-wide input on transit strategic plans, land use and transportation planning, transportation options policy development and large scale public infrastructure projects. Resume.

Julie Fischer

Julie excels in managing public involvement for land use and transportation projects.  She understands how to develop project strategy, involve diverse interests, facilitate efficient decision-making, organize public meetings, and bridge the gap between technical experts and the general public.  Controversial issues such as annexation, riverfront development, and residential density are her specialty.  Julie has a Masters Degree from the University of Oregon in Urban and Regional Planning and has lived and worked in Lane County for 25 years. Resume.