About
Mission North began in 2003 offering planning and economic development services to municipalities and downtown organizations. In late 2017, we set out to establish Mission North as a premier consultant for downtown organizations, cities, and those who develop in them. With a focus on placemaking, mobility expertise, and sustainable economics, Mission North is driven by a passion for places of quality and value.
Rob Bacigalupi, AICP
Principal, Mission North, LLC
Rob worked as the Executive Director of the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA), where he helped transform Traverse City's Warehouse District into Northern Michigan's most walkable and bikeable commercial district. He reorganized the DDA to be data driven and focus on placemaking. Prior to becoming director, he was part of the team that led the evolution of Traverse City's Front Street District, and Old Town District. He has vast experience in best practices for successful downtowns, including how place drives prosperity, branding, mobility, retail trends, and urban economics.
Rob served on the board of the Michigan Downtown Association including as chairperson. He also served on the Bay Area Transportation Authority board, again with a term as chairperson. He has also volunteered on the non-profit boards of the Grand Traverse Heritage Association and the City Opera House Heritage Association. Rob earned a bachelors in Urban Planning from Michigan State University and a Masters in Real Estate and Construction Management from the University of Denver, both with honors. At the University of Denver, he was a member of Alpha Sigma Gamma International Real Estate Honorary Society, and participated with an east Asia delegation stopping in ten cities in eight countries.
Rob lives in Traverse City, MI, and is married to Leslie Sickterman (see below) who both spoil their only child, Remy, along with their dog Pepper. He frequents the Northern Michigan woods, mountain biking in the summer, and cross country skiing in winter.
Principal, Mission North, LLC
Rob worked as the Executive Director of the Traverse City Downtown Development Authority (DDA), where he helped transform Traverse City's Warehouse District into Northern Michigan's most walkable and bikeable commercial district. He reorganized the DDA to be data driven and focus on placemaking. Prior to becoming director, he was part of the team that led the evolution of Traverse City's Front Street District, and Old Town District. He has vast experience in best practices for successful downtowns, including how place drives prosperity, branding, mobility, retail trends, and urban economics.
Rob served on the board of the Michigan Downtown Association including as chairperson. He also served on the Bay Area Transportation Authority board, again with a term as chairperson. He has also volunteered on the non-profit boards of the Grand Traverse Heritage Association and the City Opera House Heritage Association. Rob earned a bachelors in Urban Planning from Michigan State University and a Masters in Real Estate and Construction Management from the University of Denver, both with honors. At the University of Denver, he was a member of Alpha Sigma Gamma International Real Estate Honorary Society, and participated with an east Asia delegation stopping in ten cities in eight countries.
Rob lives in Traverse City, MI, and is married to Leslie Sickterman (see below) who both spoil their only child, Remy, along with their dog Pepper. He frequents the Northern Michigan woods, mountain biking in the summer, and cross country skiing in winter.
Leslie Sickterman, AICP, PCP, CNU-A
Principal, Mission North, LLC.
Leslie has advised communities large and small, urban and rural, on planning, zoning, and economic development issues. Leslie developed a new town plan for Green Lake Township, Michigan incorporating new urbanist principles. She has also successfully advocated on behalf of developers on zoning requests. She served on the board of directors for the Michigan chapter of the Congress for New Urbanism, and is certified as CNU-A. Leslie was a member of the Grand Traverse County Planning Commission, including a stint as Chair. She also is certified as a planner through the American Planning Association.
Leslie has a bachelors in economics from the University of Michigan, and completed coursework for a masters program in Urban Planning at George Washington University. She currently serves as the Planner for Long Lake Township.
Leslie is a master knitter, amazing cook, and enjoys yoga.
Principal, Mission North, LLC.
Leslie has advised communities large and small, urban and rural, on planning, zoning, and economic development issues. Leslie developed a new town plan for Green Lake Township, Michigan incorporating new urbanist principles. She has also successfully advocated on behalf of developers on zoning requests. She served on the board of directors for the Michigan chapter of the Congress for New Urbanism, and is certified as CNU-A. Leslie was a member of the Grand Traverse County Planning Commission, including a stint as Chair. She also is certified as a planner through the American Planning Association.
Leslie has a bachelors in economics from the University of Michigan, and completed coursework for a masters program in Urban Planning at George Washington University. She currently serves as the Planner for Long Lake Township.
Leslie is a master knitter, amazing cook, and enjoys yoga.