June 30, 2025
Get to know Office of TIP Development and Maintenance Capital Program Coordinator Travis Spotts.
What did you want to be growing up?
As a younger child, I wanted to be a professional soccer player. Later, in my teenage years, I thought I wanted to enter politics. Once I got to college and realized political science was not for me, I then discovered my passion for geography. Now I’m not sure that there is anything I’d rather be doing than working in the planning realm.
What was your first job?
Overnight stock at Home Depot.
What did you study in college?
Geography and Urban Studies (shout-out Temple GUS Department) with a Certificate in GIS.
How did you end up at DVRPC?
I don’t recall how I initially heard about DVRPC, but I applied for a vacant position right after graduating from college. After working three years as a community developer at a nonprofit, I knew for certain I wanted to enter the planning world and decided to apply again for the then vacant position of capital programs coordinator. I have been here ever since.
If you could immediately implement any change to the region, what would you do?
Properly fund SEPTA. I am also from Pottstown and thus a big proponent of all the work the Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority has been doing.
What is your work/life philosophy?
Doing what makes you happy is extremely important. Both in finding work you are passionate about and making time for your favorite hobbies, friends, and family.
What is something colleagues don’t know about you?
At 28, I still play semi-professional soccer at its lowest level. I love playing and discussing the sport.
What is the last book you read?
I have been meaning to read The Road forever, so I am finishing that up now. Sticking with Cormac McCarthy, No Country for Old Men is my favorite movie of all time, so I purchased that book at the same time as The Road, and it is next in the queue.
What are the top three places you want to travel to?
Internationally, London, Tokyo, and New Zealand. I’m also 14 for 30 on my MLB Stadium tour and very excited to continue visiting new stadiums.
Are you a cat or dog person?
Dogs all the way.
What are you looking forward to the most in the next year?
2026 will be a big year for Philadelphia with the sesquicentennial celebrations and welcoming the World Cup to our city. As a soccer fan, I am looking forward to enjoying everything going on in the city next year.