About Stacey
Stacey Stark has been with the University of Minnesota since 2002. In her role at U-Spatial, she helps U-Spatial drive a growing demand for geospatial expertise, tools, and data across research and teaching, and deliver quality consultations and products. She contributes to developing research initiatives and provides proposal consultations, bridging higher education and research with public-sector initiatives through relationships with state agencies including MnGeo, MDH, MPCA, DNR, MnDOT, and DPS.
Since 2012, Stacey has directed an ongoing hazard mitigation planning program that has facilitated FEMA-compliant plans (44 CFR Part 201) for 82 of Minnesota's 87 counties, as well as the State of Minnesota. Using interactive web maps and geospatial dashboards, U-Spatial delivers plans that align with state agency goals to protect critical infrastructure and foster community climate resiliency. Projects under her direction include contributions to state agency community climate resiliency work and collaborating with STAR Energy Services to develop a Rural Electric Cooperative Annex for the 2024 State Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Stacey serves on the Minnesota Geospatial Advisory Council (GAC) representing higher education, in her third term (2025–2026), where she chairs the Open Data Workgroup to advance the accuracy, accessibility, and usability of foundational statewide datasets. She also sits on the Leadership Committee and contributes to the Emergency Preparedness Committee, Data Endorsement, and Outreach workgroups. Recognized for her statewide leadership, Stacey was awarded the 2025 Emergency Management Advocate Award by the Minnesota Emergency Manager's Association for her work with the Emergency Preparedness Committee.
Key Projects and Initiatives
MN State/County Hazard Mitigation Planning
This project involves interactive dashboards for exploring datasets used in hazard mitigation planning (natural hazard data, demographic data, critical infrastructure data, and more), including coordination with State partners and methods review to meet FEMA requirements.
MDH Extreme Heat Profile and Data
For the Minnesota Department of Health's Climate and Health Program, Stacey researches new data sources and keeps U-Spatial's extreme heat written information and dashboards current, translating that public health research into planning-ready tools for emergency managers. This work feeds into Minnesota's official Hazard Mitigation Plan.
First Street Flood Factor Data
Stacey administers flood inundation data for future climate scenarios in Minnesota in association with First Street Foundation, a nonprofit that models flood risk for tens of millions of properties nationwide, incorporating it into the state's hazard mitigation planning work.
Areas of Expertise
- Leading extensive multi-county, state, and tribal hazard mitigation plans across Minnesota, integrating flood modeling and extreme heat risk outreach.
- Applying background in watershed science to analyze coastal erosion, surface hydrology, and natural resource management.
- Developing statewide spatial data platforms and public health dashboards, including wastewater SARS-CoV-2 tracking and rural medication access mapping.
- Expanding K-12 GIS outreach, delivering certified Esri training, and leading community-partnered spatial research initiatives.
Work with Stacey
Reach out, consultations are free for the U of M community.