About the Institute


The Bronx Institute for Urban Systems was formed in 2017 as a New York State non-profit corporation. In October of 2021 the organization was assigned 501c3 status. The organization began from the vision of its founder, Cesar Yoc. Cesar holds a Bachelor of Science from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a master’s in urban planning from Hunter College. He also completed the requirements for GIS Certificate at Hunter College’s Geography Department. Cesar is cofounder of Savesection9 and is a Community Board member. While attending school, working on planning related projects, and seeing and advocating for Climate Justice he noticed that many BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color) communities were the first to face the climate and environmental related problems. While in school, attending professional meetings, and working in the GIS field; he noticed that people of color were underrepresented in the planning and design of underprivilege neighborhoods. While attending Hunter College, he was writing down his thoughts of what planning can be using Sustainability, Energetics, and Biophysical Economics in the planning process. This led to the formation of the elements of Systems Planning. After teaching GED classes in Science and Math, he pursued the idea of starting an Institute that educates Bronxites about energetics, systems thinking, environmental science, Mapping or GIS, and Urban Planning.

about us

Cesar is the Founder of the Bronx Institute for Urban Systems. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from the SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry and a Master in Urban Planning from CUNY Hunter College. He is currently the Project Manager of Mill Brook Garden, a Public Housing Garden constructed by residents of the development. A member of Community Board 1 in the Bronx and co-founder to Concrete Green, a Bronx Based Cooperative.

Cesar Yoc

Isabel Figueroa

BxIUS Board Member

Isabel Figueroa is a freelance cultural producer, and educator born and raised in the Bronx. She holds a BFA in Creative Photography from St. John’s University, Certification from the International Center of Photography (ICP) and has worked extensively in arts education. She now serves as the Acting Manager of Community Programs with ICP. Isabel is Co-founder of Siempre Contigo Inc., a not for profit providing direct aid to families in Puerto Rico effected by Hurricane Maria, as well as founder of SBx (South Bronx Skateboarding) a community parks group with an environmental stewardship focus. Her artwork is an exploration of existence and identity. Clowns and crowns act as symbol and metaphor for humanity, self worth and value beyond vanity. Additionally, she curates as a way to highlight artist, artisans, performers and others, including activist, in multigenerational and collaborative spaces for community celebration and dialogue.

Paul is currently the President at Barretto Bay Strategies LLC. Paul Lipson served for seven years as Chief of Staff to Congressman Jose E Serrano's Office, Lipson founded and led The Point Community Development Corporation, a pioneering CDC based in the Hunts Point section of The Bronx and active in the sustainability sector. Paul joined the Institutes Board to help propel the mission of the organization and has provided the support needed to start the organization.

Paul Lipson

BxIUS Board Member

Panel for Mayan Documentary

Our career goals have been to improve Bronx neighborhoods through Youth Programming and Economic Development Strategies. We have over 15-years experience advocating for Environmental Injustice, Climate Justice, Economic Development, and implementing Arts programs .