Urban Planning is Not Boring

Welcome back to "Urban Planning is Not Boring"! 

We'll examine the historical context of downtown "ghost towns" and how this phenomenon is not entirely new but rather a cyclical pattern in urban development. From white flight to suburban sprawl, we'll trace the trajectory of downtowns over the last few decades, from decline to revival and now to uncertainty.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated existing trends and brought about unprecedented challenges. With remote work becoming the norm and downtown office spaces sitting empty, downtowns are grappling with an existential crisis. Yet, amidst the uncertainty, there lies an opportunity for reimagining and revitalizing our urban cores.

We'll discuss the findings of the Brookings research project and delve into strategies proposed by urban planners and local jurisdictions for reinvigorating downtowns. From inclusive workforce development to placemaking initiatives, we'll explore innovative approaches to breathe new life into our city centers.

Join us as we rethink the future of downtowns and navigate the path forward in reshaping urban cores post-COVID.

Sources:

To recover from COVID-19, downtowns must adapt

Breaking the ‘urban doom loop’: The future of downtowns is shared prosperity

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! In this episode, we dive into an acronym many of you are likely familiar with, VMT. We start by breaking down the concept of VMT - vehicle miles traveled - which essentially measures the total distance traveled by vehicles, typically on a daily basis. To illustrate, imagine driving 20 miles to work, 5 miles to the gym, and 15 miles back home from the gym. That totals to 40 vehicle miles traveled for the day. But why does VMT matter?

We explore the legislative context surrounding VMT, particularly in California where initiatives like SB 743 have revolutionized the way transportation impacts are evaluated for new development projects. Instead of solely focusing on traffic flow and congestion reduction (Level of Service (LOS)), the emphasis has shifted towards reducing VMT to combat issues like greenhouse gas emissions.

But it's not just about legislation; reducing VMT brings a multitude of co-benefits, from mitigating air pollution and water pollution to promoting active lifestyles and improving mental health. We examine various approaches to address VMT, including Transportation Demand Management (TDM) strategies, transit subsidies, bike and pedestrian infrastructure improvements, and thoughtful land use decisions.

Ultimately, everything seems to converge on the principles of walkability and accessibility, with the vision of creating vibrant, sustainable communities where driving less is not only feasible but also desirable. Join us as we explore the multifaceted world of VMT and its implications for the future of transportation and urban development.

Welcome back to Urban Planning Is Not Boring! In today's episode, we delve into the concept of third places – those vital social hubs that bridge the gap between our homes (first places) and workplaces (second places). Join us as we uncover why third places are essential to fostering vibrant, connected communities.

American sociologist Ray Oldenburg introduced the notion of third places as crucial to democracy and social cohesion in this 1989 book "The Great Good Place". 

Despite the allure of digital connectivity, research indicates that physical third places offer unique benefits. From promoting informal social interaction to strengthening productivity, these spaces play a pivotal role in shaping our collective well-being.

However, several impacts to the accessibility and allure of third places, including urban sprawl,  technological advancements, and the COVID-19 pandemic, have created a decline in traditional third places. We examine what defines a third place – its atmosphere, accessibility, and sense of community – and discuss strategies urban planners can implement to revitalize these vital spaces.

From reimagining public spaces to fostering mixed-use developments, city planning efforts are adapting to prioritize the creation of third places. If you've been on TikTok or Reels lately, you've probably seen the rise of third places into mainstream media, thanks to creators like @signedbritt. The discussion on third places gives a name to the phenomenon that many people have experienced, such as after graduating college and realizing how walkable and accessible many amenities are on a college campus. 

Join us as we navigate the past, present, and future of third places, and discover why these social sanctuaries are key to fostering social connections. 

Sources:

Protecting the “Third Place:” The Pandemic’s Impact on Commercial Corridors and How to Support Them Third places, true citizen spaces Do Yourself a Favor and Go Find a ‘Third Place’ “Third places” as community builders

 

 

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! In this episode, Nat and Sam sit down with representatives from the American Planning Association (APA) Inland Empire Section to dive into the excitement surrounding the upcoming APA California Conference in Riverside from September 28th through October 1st.

Discover the purpose and vision behind APA and its Inland Empire Section, explore the initiatives of the Diversity Division, and learn how the Young and Emerging Planners Group is shaping the future of urban planning. Join us as we unravel the details of the APA California Conference - the theme, dates, and location - and explore how this year's conference aligns with the pressing challenges and opportunities faced by planners today. Delve into the urban planning trends and history of the Inland Empire, and gain insights into the strategies employed to encourage diverse participation in the call for abstracts. Our guests share how inclusivity is prioritized in the selection process. Get a sneak peek into the conference atmosphere, as we discuss memorable sessions from previous conferences and how APA Inland Empire fosters collaboration and networking opportunities for attendees, speakers, and exhibitors.

We'll also be spreading the word about the call for sessions and registration, so if you're passionate about planning or have a story to share, this episode is for you!

Mark your calendars, stay informed, and be part of this vibrant planning community. Tune in to discover what's in store at the APA California Conference and learn the best ways to stay updated on APA IE and California events.

Episode Information

APA California 2024 Conference

APA California 2024 Call for Proposals

About Emily Elliot - Emily is a planning consultant based in Redlands, California and focuses her work within the Inland Empire. With a background in both the public and private sectors, she currently leads the newly minted Community Planning practice for MNS Engineers. A first-generation college graduate, she earned an associate degree from Palomar Community College, a bachelor’s degree in Geography from San Diego State University, and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from CalPoly Pomona which she followed with AICP certification. Emily volunteers her time to the American Planning Association as Director of the Inland Empire Section and co-chair of the 2024 state conference host committee, and as a Community and Route Steward for Bikepacking Roots, a non-profit that supports and advances bikepacking, the growth of a diverse bikepacking community, and access to and the conservation of public lands.

About Ebony J. McGee Andersen - Ebony J. McGee Andersen is the founder and Director of ejma Planning + Development, Inc.; a boutique planning firm specializing in commercial and industrial project management. She is an experienced Urban and Regional Planner with a background in natural resource development, including oil and gas and surface mining entitlement, CEQA and regulatory compliance. Ebony has a bachelor’s degree in political science and African/African American Studies from the University of California, Davis and a Masters Degree in Urban and Regional Planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona.

About Tony Lopez - Tony is an embedded urban planner based in Southern California where he is a product of the California Community College and Public University systems. He earned an associate degree in behavioral science from Mount San Antonio College and a bachelor’s degree in urban and Regional Planning from Cal Poly Pomona. Looking to gain a gl

Happy New Year! Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! We are back from our break with a very exciting episode! In this joint episode, the Four Degrees to the Streets and Urban Planning is Not Boring podcasts come together to discuss Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). Hosts Nimo, Jas, Sam, and Nat use their expertise and experience living in TODs as a backdrop to give a coast-to-coast perspective on this complex subject. Press play to hear:

TOD defined as a mixed-use community that encourages people to live near transit services and decrease their dependence on driving and its key components and history Examples of TOD programs including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), NJ Transit, the City of Chicago's ETOD (equitable transit-oriented development) plan, and the Federal Transit Administration TOD Pilot Program Considerations for the future of TOD 

Learn more about Four Degrees to the Streets, a podcast designed to empower anyone curious about places and spaces and tune in every other Tuesday. Follow Four Degrees to the Streets on X and Instagram @the4degreespod, or send them an email to connect!

 

Resources

Histories of Transit-Oriented Development: Perspectives on the Development of the TOD Concept

BART TOD 

Millbrae BART TOD

Elevated Chicago

ETOD | Equitable Transit-Oriented Development

Pennrose Gives Back to Veterans Through Housing

Dover officials open new 70-unit affordable family and veterans housing in downtown

FTA FY 2023 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented Development

TOD Planning Study (2015-2021) Projects

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! In this episode, we delve into the bipartisan alliance formed to address a growing crisis: homelessness. Inspired by a recent New York Times article titled "In Rare Alliance, Democrats and Republicans Seek Legal Power to Clear Homeless Camps," we explore the pressing issue of homelessness in the United States and the legal complexities surrounding the removal of homeless encampments from public spaces.

Join us as we discuss the legal challenge presented by the 2018 "Boise decision," and the motivations behind politicians from diverse backgrounds urging the Supreme Court to reevaluate the ruling. We'll also hear perspectives from homeless rights advocates who emphasize the importance of comprehensive solutions to address homelessness. The outcome of this legal challenge could have significant implications for how the nation tackles this ongoing issue. 

Welcome back to "Urban Planning is Not Boring." In this special episode, we're revisiting an essential topic that we recently covered in our class for Abundant Housing LA: "Introduction to Affordable Housing." Affordable housing is a pressing issue in cities worldwide, and it's crucial to understand the fundamentals of this complex and multifaceted subject. Whether you're an urban planning enthusiast, a housing advocate, or someone seeking to make sense of the challenges and solutions in your community, this episode is for you.

Join us as we dive into the core concepts of affordable housing, unpacking the key terminology, policies, and strategies that underpin this critical field. We'll provide a concise overview of the various approaches to affordability, from subsidized housing to inclusionary zoning, and explore the impacts of the housing crisis on communities and individuals.

Whether you're new to the subject or looking to expand your knowledge, AHLA's "Below Market Housing Blueprint" course is your gateway to a critical conversation about housing affordability, accessibility, and the path to creating more inclusive and equitable cities. Our goal is to demystify affordable housing, making it accessible and understandable for everyone. We'll address common misconceptions, share real-world examples, and discuss the importance of equitable housing solutions.

Enroll today in Abundant Housing LA's Below Market Blueprint Course.

"Our new 6-week course covers affordable housing's journey through LA County's processes like housing elements and CEQA. Kicking off the course are hosts of the Urban Planning is Not Boring podcast to give you a primer on affordable housing and its nuances!"

This course is a $450 value! Use the coupon code RENT75 to pay only $112.50! Enroll anytime! Live sessions are recorded and accessible for a year!

If cost is a barrier, email [email protected] for a scholarship!

About Abundant Housing LA

Cities across the United States have opted to implement policy for community development gradually, rather than undergoing expedited construction and housing reform. Brooklyn Heights, Charleston, Savannah, New Orleans, and Austin are just a few names you might recognize of cities undertaking something called incremental housing development. The term is used to describe when cities are built, as the name suggests, in small increments. It balances the ever-changing demands of modern urban living with financial efficiency, but is it the approach that urban planners have been looking for?

Today, we are discussing incremental development using Austin, Texas as a case study. Cities in the US like Austin have taken this strategy to improve housing in their community. The city council of Austin earlier this summer voted to halve the minimum lot size requirement in areas zoned for single-family homes, a law that made it difficult for planners to build row houses, townhomes, or tri- and four-flexes. The population of Austin is skyrocketing, and Councilmember Leslie Pool, the drafter of the resolution, believes this step is the early stage of incremental housing development for the city toward a better future for families of all incomes.

And we make a very special announcement! We will be teaching the first seminar course of the Abundant Housing LA Pro-Housing Leadership Certification Course! The course will focus on Affordable Housing Development, and we are honored to have the opportunity to take part in this course. Check it out!!

Sources:

Victory in Austin: City Council Votes for Incremental Housing Development

Welcome to another episode of Urban Planning is Not Boring. Today, we have the privilege of exploring the world of community engagement, design, and planning with some remarkable guests from co:census. They're here to discuss an exciting new product, civicX, which promises to transform public feedback into meaningful insights in real-time.

Joining us are three experts from co:census:

Autumn Beaudoin, Ethics & Research Design Lead Nicole Schwartz, Software Engineer Jovanny Tovar, Product Marketing Manager

Co:census is known for its commitment to challenging the status quo of design, and we delve into the core values that drive their work. We explore how intentional engagement with underrepresented communities is a cornerstone of their approach, and why it's indispensable in the realm of design and planning.

The spotlight then shifts to civicX, co:census' innovative new product. We discover the inspiration behind its development and learn how it facilitates real-time gathering of insights from the voices that matter most. The conversation touches on the critical concept that sample sizes alone don't necessarily represent the diverse communities we aim to engage with. Our guests provide valuable insights into the potential outcomes for organizations that choose to use civicX and explore how incorporating civicX can significantly enhance the quality and inclusivity of projects and initiatives.

Join us for a dynamic conversation that promises to shed light on the transformative potential of civicX and the future of community-driven design and planning.

About co:census and civicX

co:census is a full-service solution to transform public feedback from meetings, surveys, and conversations into Insights and Reports.

civicX is a new co:census solution that challenges the status quo of the historical community engagement framework. civicX completely reimagines outreach by focusing on diversity, equity, and representation.

Have an upcoming project? Speak to the co:census team and easily access their support.

civicX alpha will be available to a limited number of users. Sign up here for our waitlist to be among the first to try this new solution from co:census.

About Autumn Beaudoin (they/them)

Autumn is an ethicist, researcher and strategist with design research, economics, and behavioral science backgrounds. Using this intersection of skills and with experience on government teams, they are on a mission to overhaul economic inequality and racial injustices by putting people at the center of localized systemic change.

About Nicole Schwartz (they/them)

Nicole combines practices of research, code, and art to foster relationships with technology that are life affirming and sustainable. Their approach to designing and developing technology is rooted in harm reduction practices that center the needs of people most directly targeted and underserved by the capitalist interests of the wider tech industry.

About Jovanny Tovar

Joining the call today is Jovanny, a pivotal figure at co:census, where he spearheads product marketing initiatives that bridge the gap between technology and its users. With a keen understanding of market dynamics and an innate ability to distill complex tech concepts into relatable narratives, Jovanny is at the forefront of crafting strategies that resonate. Beyond the confines of his role, he's an avi

Welcome to another episode of Urban Planning is Not Boring. Today, we're diving deep into zoning reform and its implications for our cities. We're thrilled to have special guests from the Urban Land Institute (ULI) with us to discuss their latest groundbreaking report titled "Reshaping the City: Zoning for a More Equitable, Resilient, and Sustainable Future." For those interested, you can find a link to the report further down in the episode description.

Joining us are two ULI experts who played pivotal roles in crafting this report:

Lian Plass, Senior Manager at ULI's Urban Resilience Program Ben Forman, Senior Associate at ULI's Centers and Initiatives

We begin by demystifying zoning reform for those who might not be familiar with it, offering a concise definition and examples of its significance in shaping urban landscapes. Our discussion then delves into the barriers that cities face when attempting to implement zoning changes. Lian and Ben shed light on the complexities and challenges involved in reshaping zoning codes to address pressing issues like housing crises and carbon emissions reduction. The conversation turns to the ever-persistent "Not In My Backyard" (NIMBY) concerns that often arise during discussions of increased housing stock and inclusionary zoning policies. Our guests provide insights into how planners can effectively engage with these concerns while championing zoning reforms. Urban mobility is another crucial aspect of city planning, and our guests discuss how the public and private sectors can collaborate to create transportation systems that reduce car reliance and improve urban mobility. Climate change is an urgent concern, and we explore the current land use policies adopted by cities to combat its threats. Our guests share examples of these policies and assess their effectiveness. Lastly, we shift our focus to parks and green spaces, discussing how planners can ensure communities have ample access to green spaces.

Join us for this thought-provoking conversation as we unravel the complexities and opportunities in zoning reform, urban mobility, climate action, and community inclusivity. It's a podcast episode packed with insights for planners, policymakers, and anyone passionate about the future of our cities.

Resource Links

Reshaping the City: Zoning for a More Equitable, Resilient, and Sustainable Future

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring, the podcast that delves into the dynamic interplay between architecture and planning. In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Shiva Ghomi, Director of Planning and Community Development at Aufgang, an esteemed architecture and planning firm. Shiva's unique background as both an architect and urban planner lends a distinctive perspective to our conversation.

Shiva begins by sharing insights into her role at Aufgang, where she wears the hat of a planner in a predominantly architectural environment. As the sole planner at the firm, Shiva's multi-faceted background enriches her approach to projects, leading to a holistic understanding of the built environment.

Delving into the relationship between architecture and planning, we explore how these interconnected disciplines shape the urban landscape. Shiva offers insights into the challenges and synergies of integrating architectural visions with broader urban planning goals. From her experience, she shares how finding alignment between these aspects leads to vibrant and cohesive urban spaces. She provides a window into how sustainable design principles seamlessly merge with architectural and community development projects, creating environments that thrive in the face of change. Looking forward, Shiva reflects on the evolving landscape of architecture and planning. She envisions a pivotal role for professionals with expertise in both areas, highlighting the importance of collaboration between architects and planners in tackling modern urban challenges.

For more information about Aufgang, check out their website.

 

About Shiva

Education and Certifications:

Bachelor of Architecture Degree, Tehran Azad University South Branch Master’s Degree in Urban Design, Tehran Azad University Science & Research Unit Master’s Degree Architecture and Urban & Regional Planning, New York Institute of Technology

Professional Background: Prior to joining Aufgang, Shiva co-founded SPARC—Spatial Art and Construction with offices in Brooklyn and the Netherlands. Shiva has built a career by focusing on affordable housing & responsible neighborhood planning. Of note is that, while with SPARC, Shiva won a contract from the City of NY to reconstruct over 100 single- and two-family coastal homes in New York destroyed by Hurricane Sandy and successfully completed that commission.

Position: As Director of Planning and Community Development, Shiva is heavily involved in navigating zoning regulations and leading her team in developing compliant designs to bring projects to successful completion.

Personal Life: Shiva has been teaching “Sustainability: History and Practice” course at City Tech (CUNY) since 2018.

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring, the podcast that delves into the exciting world of urban planning. In this episode, we take a close look at MOVE Culver City, a city-led initiative that envisions reimagining streets as public spaces, prioritizing efficient and safe mobility options for everyone.

Join us as we explore the project's goals, controversy, and status. Despite the project's goals to increase safety and sustainable mobility options, there was significant public backlash, leading to the end of the pilot project by a 3-2 vote of city council. As we explore the data showing increased transit, biking, and walking usage in the area, we grapple with the challenge of addressing induced demand and the tension between promoting alternative mobility and accommodating car-centric preferences.

Tune in as we navigate the complexities of MOVE Culver City and the broader dichotomy in car-centric California. We discuss the opportunities and challenges of reimagining our streets, creating safer spaces for pedestrians and cyclists, and envisioning a more sustainable future for urban mobility.

CORRECTION - This vote was done in April 2023, not August 2023!

Sources

In Culver City’s street space battle, cars are set to make a comeback

Culver City bike lane project axed due to public backlash

Washington & Culver Boulevard Tactical Mobility Lane Post-Pilot Report - April 2023

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! After our mini 'summer break', we're excited to bring you a special episode titled "Catching up with Nat and Sam." In this episode, your hosts Natalie and Sam reconnect and share their experiences adjusting to post-grad life.

Natalie kicks things off by discussing her transition into the working world. She provides insights into her full-time job and the challenges and joys that come with starting a new career in private real estate. From navigating office dynamics to putting theory into practice, Natalie shares her observations and reflections on this exciting new chapter.

Meanwhile, Sam takes us on a virtual journey as she recount her recent travels. From French Polynesia to Germany, Sam has been seeing the world this summer. In Stuttgart, Germany, Sam attended the Urban Future Conference as a member of the Young Leaders Programme cohort. In this episode, Sam shares her experiences exploring different urban environments and engaging with fellow planners from around the world. She highlights key takeaways from the conference and how it has shaped their perspective on urban planning.

Throughout the episode, Nat and Sam engage in a lively discussion about their respective experiences and how their adventures have influenced their understanding of urban planning beyond the classroom. They also reflect on the importance of continuous learning and professional development in the ever-evolving field of urban planning.

So join us for an engaging conversation about the realities of post-grad life and the exciting adventures Nat and Sam have had over the summer.

Welcome to Urban Planning is Not Boring, the podcast that explores the fascinating world of urban design and planning. In this episode, we are thrilled to have Shruti Shankar, the urban design director at Studio One Eleven, a renowned interdisciplinary architecture, interiors, urban planning, and landscape architecture practice based in Long Beach, California.

Originally from Chennai, Shruti brings a unique perspective to her work, deeply fascinated by the people and life of cities rather than just the buildings themselves. As a trained architect, she has always been drawn to the larger picture—the organic life that thrives in bustling metropolises like Mumbai and Los Angeles, with a keen focus on accessibility, universality, and community building.

During this conversation, we delve into Shruti's journey, discussing her upbringing in Chennai and how it shaped her passion for urban planning. We explore her role as an urban design director at Studio One Eleven, known for their collaborative approach and commitment to community building and neighborhood development. Shruti shares her insights on the importance of sustainability and resilience in urban design, drawing from her experiences as a Fullbright Fellow and a certified eco districts planner.

From her rise in the field to her thought-provoking ideas on building more inclusive and sustainable urban environments, Shruti's expertise shines through in this engaging conversation. Join us for an inspiring and informative episode as we explore the power of urban planning to shape equitable cities with Shruti Shankar, urban design director at Studio One Eleven, on Urban Planning is Not Boring.

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About Shruti

Shruti Shankar is the Urban Design Director at Studio One Eleven with an interdisciplinary background in Urban Design, Architecture and Sustainability. She brings over a decade of project experience in the USA and internationally to her work. She has lead and worked on a variety of project types and scales, from placemaking, tactical urbanism and streetscape improvement projects, to urban design, community visioning and strategic planning. Shruti’s work focuses on creating sustainable and vibrant urban places through people-focused design, equitable planning methods, and collaborative city-building.  Some of her award-winning projects include Station Area Plans for cities along Metro’s proposed West Santa Ana Branch Transit Corridor, and the Other-to-Residential Toolkit produced for the Southern California Association of Governments to address the need to produce more housing in Southern California cities. Shruti was born and raised in Chennai, India, and earned her Master’s in Urban Design from Washington University in St. Louis on a Fulbright-Nehru Fellowship for Leadership Development, following her Bachelors’ degree in Architecture from Anna University in Chennai. She is an AICP Certified Planner and a LEED Accredited Professional for Neighborhood Development.

Studio One Eleven

Shruti's Studio One Eleven Profile

Shruti's LinkedIn

Welcome to Urban Planning is Not Boring, the podcast that explores the fascinating world of urban planning. In this episode, join your hosts Sam and Nat as they dive into a crucial concept in housing production: filtering. They explore why it is essential to produce housing at every income level, not solely focusing on affordable housing.

Sam and Nat discuss the mechanics of filtering, which refers to the natural process of housing becoming more affordable over time as newer, higher-cost units are built and older units become more affordable. They examine the benefits of maintaining a diverse mix of housing options in terms of income levels, including fostering social and economic diversity within neighborhoods.

Throughout the episode, Sam and Nat delve into the potential consequences of exclusively prioritizing affordable housing production, such as concentrating poverty and limiting housing choices for individuals across different income brackets. They emphasize the importance of striking a balance between affordable housing and market-rate housing, highlighting the role of urban planning in creating inclusive communities.

Tune in to this thought-provoking episode of Urban Planning is Not Boring as Sam and Nat shed light on the concept of filtering and explain why a holistic approach to housing production is crucial for vibrant and sustainable cities.

Sources: Everything you need to know about the affordable housing debate

How Filtering Increases Housing Affordability

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring, the podcast that explores the fascinating world of urban planning. In this episode, we are joined by Maria Patiño Gutierrez, Director of Policy and Research at Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE), a non-profit organization based in Los Angeles, California that works to build power and community leadership to create equitable policies and systems that benefit working-class communities of color. SAJE's work focuses on housing justice, equitable development, and community organizing, and they have been at the forefront of many important campaigns and initiatives in the LA area. We discuss SAJE's approach to community organizing and advocacy, including their use of popular education and leadership development to build power among marginalized communities. We also delve into some of the challenges and successes that SAJE has experienced in their work, including their efforts to fight against gentrification and displacement in the rapidly-changing LA landscape. Join us for an inspiring conversation about the importance of community-led organizing and the role of non-profits in shaping the future of our cities.

SAJE Website

Donate to SAJE!

Instagram

Twitter

Facebook

Fareless Report: https://www.saje.net/the-road-to-equity-the-case-for-fareless-transit-in-los-angeles/

The SAJE Blog: https://www.saje.net/news/blog/   Other coalitions UNIDAD (United Neighbors In Defense Against Displacement)-LA People's Plan Public Land Campaign ACT-LA United to House LA

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring, the podcast that explores the fascinating world of urban planning. In this episode, we sit down with Ryy Dickerson, an urban planner from Providence, Rhode Island who recently wrote his thesis entitled "Grief Urbanism: Placemaking, Surrealism, and Freedom Inside Protest Camps." Ryy's work explores the role of protest camps and other temporary urban interventions in creating new spaces of community and resistance within the city. We discuss the inspirations for Ryy's thesis and the ways in which grief and other strong emotions can be used to create new forms of urban space. We also explore the challenges and opportunities in which these interventions can be used to advance broader social and political goals. Join us for a fascinating conversation about the power of urban interventions and the role of planning in shaping the city of the future.

Happy National Bike Month and welcome back to "Urban Planning is Not Boring," the podcast that explores the fascinating world of urban planning. In this episode, we are joined by representatives from three non-profit organizations based in Los Angeles, California: Eli Kaufman from Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (BikeLA), John Yi from Los Angeles Walks, and Lena Williams, from People for Mobility. These three groups are part of a larger group called "Our Streets Action Committee."

 

In this interview, representatives from Los Angeles Walks, BikeLA, and People for Mobility Justice share their insights on the challenges of advocating for safe and accessible streets in Los Angeles. The guests also discuss their collaboration as part of the Our Streets Action Committee, and how they work together to advocate for better infrastructure and policies that support safe and equitable transportation options for all individuals. They share their vision for a future Los Angeles that is truly accessible to everyone, regardless of their mode of transportation.

 

Join us for an insightful and inspiring conversation with representatives from Los Angeles Walks, BikeLA, and People for Mobility Justice, on "Our Streets Action Committee: Advocating for Safe and Accessible Streets in Los Angeles" on Urban Planning is Not Boring. And take a look at their websites and social media for all of the events they will be hosting for National Bike Month!!

 

About Our Streets Action Committee: We are a coalition of community-based nonprofits committed to creating a Los Angeles where everyone can move by foot, bike, wheel, or car with dignity and safety. Through public education and grassroots mobilization, we urge Los Angeles City leaders to deliver safe, equitable, and sustainable transportation and infrastructure - our streets and sidewalks - Los Angeles deserves.

 

Member organizations:

Los Angeles County Bicycle Coalition (BikeLA): BikeLA is a membership-based nonprofit organization that works to make all communities in LA County healthy, safe, and fun places to ride a bike through advocacy, education, and outreach. BikeLA envisions a Los Angeles County that is a great place for everyday, year-round bicycling. People live in healthier, more vibrant communities, where the air is cleaner and streets are both quieter and safer for everyone. More women, families and children ride their bikes, and appreciate opportunities to enjoy their neighborhoods and their city. All people, of varying cultures and backgrounds, can ride their bikes everywhere, safely and conveniently.

 

Los Angeles Walks: LA Walks mission is to activate and mobilize historically disinvested communities in Los Angeles to transform their streets into safe, accessible and vibrant environments for people who walk. For us, a walkable LA is a just LA. Through grassroots organizing and knowledge sharing, communities are enabled to recognize their collective power and provided with the resources and tools necessary to transform their streets.

 

People for Mobility Justice: As a Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) collective, we seed critical consciousness about mobility justice across all communities. As educators, we act as bridges that connect community expertise with urban planning and policy advocacy through professional development activities with a range of audiences. As facilitators, we create safe learning environments where diverse, rooted communities can come together to build consciousness around mobility justice. As advocates, we build champions for mobility justice within transportation equity policy and planning.

 

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring!! In this episode, we are joined by Angela Brooks, the new national president of the American Planning Association National organization. We are SO excited to have her on the show (we were fangirling a little).

In this interview, Brooks shares how she came to find planning, her insights on the most pressing challenges facing cities in terms of zoning and housing, and how she hopes cities can begin to address these challenges. We also touched on her personal passions, including road biking and triathlons, and how these acivities have helped shaped her approach to urban planning. And, of course, we couldn't let her go without asking her about her new role as the national president of the American Planning Assocation, her top priorities for the organization and for the field as a whole, and how young planners can get involved with APA!!

Make sure to tune in!

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About Angela Brooks

Angela D. Brooks, FAICP, a Chicago resident, begins her term as president of the American Planning Association (APA), a 41,000-member organization committed to advancing better and more just communities through good planning.

Brooks is the first Black female to be elected president of APA. She will serve two years as president, leading the 16-member APA Board of Directors in governing the association, setting strategic goals, and elevating the importance of planning across the U.S. This is a volunteer position.

Brooks currently is director of the Illinois office of the Corporation for Supportive Housing and has dedicated her career to improving housing options and ensuring equitable access to safe and affordable housing. She was appointed by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot to serve on the city's Zoning Board of Appeals. Additionally, Brooks is co-chairing a national partnership between APA and the National League of Cities called the Housing Supply Accelerator to improve how communities meet the housing needs of residents.

Prior to her role at the Corporation for Supportive Housing, Brooks served as the development manager for the Chicago Housing Authority. Brooks is a native of Seattle and was a member of the City of Seattle Planning Commission.

Brooks has been an active volunteer leader within APA since she began her planning studies. She has chaired APA's Housing and Community Development Division, served as a director on the board, vice president of programs for the Planning and the Black Community Division, and co-chaired the member-led update to APA's official Housing Policy Guide.

She is a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners, the profession's highest honor bestowed upon a planner. She is a strong champion of HBCUs, having earned her bachelor's degree from Jackson State University. She earned her master's degree from the University of New Orleans. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., the first intercollegiate historically African American sorority, and The Links, Incorporated. When not focusing on housing challenges, Brooks can be found enjoying her road bike, participating in triathlons, or rooting the Jackson State Tigers to victory.

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring, the podcast that explores the fascinating world of urban planning. This episode, Sam and Nat sit down with Brittany Simmons, an urban planner and creative based in New York City, to discuss her journey into creating urban planning content and how it can help raise awareness about the importance of city planning.

Brittany shares her insights on why she began creating content related to urban planning and how short-form content, such as TikTok videos, can be an effective tool in engaging a wider audience. She also shares her experience and practice in community engagement with her firm, highlighting the importance of involving communities in the planning process and how it can lead to more equitable and sustainable outcomes.

Brittany also highlighted three groups to check out, including the New York Metro American Planning Association Diversity Committee (DivComm), Black Space Urbanist Collective, and the Congress for New Urbanism.

About Brittany Simmons: Brittany Simmons is a NYC-based creative by nature and an urban planner by practice. She creates informative yet relatable video content on urban planning and design to raise awareness of the field and connect the dots of its wide-reaching, but often unnoticed origins.

Attention all urban planning enthusiasts! In the latest episode of "Urban Planning Is Not Boring," co-hosts Sam and Nat sit down with Victoria Ferrell Ortiz, Executive Director, and Evelyn Mayo, Co-Chair, of RAYO Planning, a non-profit planning firm based in Texas.

RAYO Planning is a 501(c)3 urban planning nonprofit that is committed to closing the health, wealth and opportunity gap in communities through land use planning, policy creation and cultural preservation. RAYO works with communities in Texas in four main subject areas: community education, direct advocacy, reforming city planning, and community planning.

In this episode, Victoria and Evelyn share their insights on operating a planning firm as a non-profit organization and the unique challenges and opportunities that come with this structure. They also discuss some of the communities and organizations that they have worked with while at RAYO and some of the amazing accomplishments that have been realized!

If you're interested in learning more about RAYO Planning and the important work they're doing in Texas, be sure to tune in to this episode of "Urban Planning Is Not Boring." Trust us, it's anything but boring!

To learn more about RAYO Planning, visit their website at https://www.rayoplanning.com/ and support them by donating at https://www.rayoplanning.com/donate!!

-------------------------------

RAYO Mission Statement: 

Mission Statement: RAYO Planning is a 501(c)3 urban planning nonprofit that is committed to closing the health, wealth and opportunity gap in communities through land use planning, policy creation and cultural preservation.

Evelyn Mayo: RAYO Planning Co-Chair

Evelyn’s last point of departure before leaving the U.S. as a child was Austin, Texas. She spent her childhood moving around Europe and Asia, which exposed her to different cultures, languages, foods and ways of life. After graduating High School in Singapore, she moved back to the U.S. and where she pursued an undergraduate degree in Environmental Science at Barnard College, Columbia University in New York City. In 2017, Evelyn moved to Dallas, Texas to pursue her interests in environmental justice and community organizing in the “belly of the beast”. She worked in poverty law as an advocate for fair housing and environmental justice issues from 2017 to 2021 with Legal Aid of NorthWest Texas and Disability Rights Texas, while also acting as Chair of the Board of Downwinders at Risk. Evelyn is AICP certified and received her MCRP from the University of Texas at Arlington. She is the inaugural Urban Research Initiative Fellow at Paul Quinn College, where she leads research and advocacy efforts to use planning as a tool to address systemic racial injustices in Southern Dallas.

Victoria Ferrell-Ortiz: RAYO Planning Executive Director

Victoria’s interest in urban planning began in high school, while attending the Judge Barefoot Sanders Law Magnet at Yvonne A. Ewell Townview Magnet Center. But it wasn’t identified plainly as “Urban Planning” at the time. She first became indoctrinated when she learned what gentrification was through a friend's experience around displacement in Old East Dallas. In 2016, she received her Bachelors of Arts in Integrative Studies from the University of North Texas in Denton, with concentrations in international studies, sociology, and public administration and community service. After graduating from college and returning home to Dallas she experienced it personally through the gentrification of

Sam and Nat sit down to discuss all things Capstone! With graduation right around the corner, the capstone project is a pivotal element of the MUP graduate program at USC. This episode dives into the project’s components and all the ups and downs Sam and Nat faced during the process of writing their reports! 

This week, we are so lucky to have Dr. Santina Contreras a researcher and adjunct professor at the USC Price School of Public Policy. Santina's work focuses largely on environmental justice, disaster planning, and community engagement. With a background in structural engineering, Dr. Contreras has a unique subset of skills in the planning field, and we dive into how her background and passions have led her to where she is today. Listen to here more!  

Build Change - "Our mission is to greatly reduce deaths, injuries, and economic losses caused by housing and school collapses due to earthquakes, extreme weather and fires." Donate today at buildchange.org/give-today/

Ready.Gov Check out her local hazards and risks, and get prepared! If you're in California, make sure to get your earthquake preparedness kit!! 

About Dr. Contreras: Santina Contreras is an Assistant Professor at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. Her research and teaching focus on the intersection of environmental hazards, international development, and community development planning. The overarching goal of her research is to contribute to a deeper understanding of the planning of communities vulnerable to environmental hazards and broader development concerns in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. In her work, she takes an interdisciplinary approach towards understanding relationships between local communities and external stakeholders surrounding natural hazard events, environmental planning efforts, and international development projects.

Contreras has extensive experience working in the private and nonprofit sectors on the design and implementation of environmental planning and development projects. This has included engaging with diverse communities vulnerable to hazard risks in California, Ohio, Mexico, Haiti, and Indonesia. Prior to joining the faculty at USC, Contreras worked as an Assistant Professor of City and Regional Planning at Ohio State University and as a Postdoctoral Research Associate in the Environmental Design Program at the University of Colorado, Boulder. Contreras holds a BS (University of California, San Diego) and a MS (University of California, Berkeley) in Structural Engineering. She received her Ph.D. in Planning, Policy, and Design from the University of California, Irvine.

"The role of transit in shaping urban form is as important as its role in meeting transportation needs." - Meghna Khanna

In this episode, Sam and Nat chat with the amazing Meghna Khanna, a Senior Director at Los Angeles Metro. After seeing Meghna's keynote address at the APA Los Angeles Awards Ceremony, we knew that we wanted her to come on the podcast to talk about the work that she and her team at LA Metro have done pertaining to gendered experiences on transit. LA Metro has done amazing work in completing the comprehensive study Understanding How Women Travel, developing the Gender Action Plan as a result of this study, and forming the LA Metro Women & Girls Governing Council. Listen to hear more about these initiatives at LA Metro!

About Meghna:

As a transit planner, Meghna has been primarily focused on managing Transit Corridor Planning, Environmental and Design, Station Area Plans, TOD Planning and Transit Policy and advancing plans to incorporate women's travel needs on transit. She currently works for LA Metro as the Senior Director, Systemwide Team, Mobility Corridors. She received her Master in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan.

For more information about the Downtown Women's Center, please check out their website and consider supporting their mission serving and empowering women experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless women.

Desiree (Dee) Powell does it ALL! From working with full-time with Congress for the New Urbanism, starting her own planning and placemaking group Do Right By The Streets (DRBTS), heading up the Sunny South Dallas Food Park activation and community space, and founding the Black Planner Collective, we quite frankly don’t know how she manages it all! But somehow, this incredible woman does! 

 

Listen to this episode to learn more about Dee Powell, a Texas-based planner and placemaker who believes above all else in economic mobility, community development, and turning temporary spaces into permanent ones for communities to enjoy. She believes in finding underutilized spaces in communities and transforming these spaces into ones that fill a community need - whether that be alleviating food insecurity or providing outdoor recreation space. We are so inspired after our conversation with Dee, and we hope that you are too!!

 

Do Right by the Streets – Planning Group (https://www.drbtsurbanplanning.com/)

Sunny South Dallas Food Park – Next Event on March 26!

Donate to DRBTS!

Desiree’s LinkedIn

Desiree’s Instagram (@thedee_p)

Sunny South Dallas Food Park Instagram (@sunnysouthdallasfoodpark)

In today’s episode we are joined by Peter Enzminger to discuss all things affordable housing! This episode's discussion focuses on the different elements of affordable housing development and the ways in which it is both similar and different from market-rate housing development. Peter addresses many unique aspects involved in affordable housing development, including the historical significance of affordable housing that permeates into planning and policy today. Listen to learn more! 

On this episode Sam and Nat sat down with Kristen Jeffers, MPA, who is an author, speaker, podcaster and analyst to talk about their experience in the field of Urban Planning. These experiences are what ultimately led to her authoring the book titled A Black Urbanist Journey to a Queer Feminist Future which will be published soon! Her insights are fascinating and touch upon the intersectionality of planning through the lens of lived experience. Listen to today’s episode to learn more!

 

View The Principles of Black Queer Feminist Urbansim on Kristen’s website and support their platform by joining Patreon on a monthly or annual basis, contributing to their 2022 capital campaign powered by GoFundMe, invest in the currency of your choice via PayPal or send a little something via Cash.App or Venmo.

 

Kristen Jeffers can be found at:

Instagram: @blackurbanist

Twitter: @blackurbanist

LinkedIn: Kristen Jeffers

Newsletter

Website

Have you ever heard of critical cartography? After taking Dr. Kim’s course “Critical Cartography and Urban Spatial Ethnography”, Sam knew that we needed to have Dr. Kim on the show. In this course, USC students have the opportunity to consider mapping conventions and peoples, phenomena, patterns, behaviors, etc. that traditional mapping leaves out. Join us for an amazing conversation with Dr. Annette Kim about the importance of critical thinking and nuance in policy and planning as well as her background and research interests and experiences.  

 

About Dr. Kim: Annette M. Kim, Ph.D., is Associate Professor at the Sol Price School of Public Policy. She is also the Director of SLAB, the newly formed spatial analysis laboratory at Price that advances the visualization of the social sciences for public service through teaching, research, and public engagement.

 

Her research experiments with ways to recover data of overlooked peoples and phenomenon by incorporating fieldwork and humanities knowledge into spatial analysis. She utilizes critical cartography and spatial ethnography to re-conceptualize contemporary urbanism and find more inclusive and humane ways to design and govern the 21st century city. She has also researched the development of real estate markets and the reformation of property rights in transition countries in Eastern Europe and Asia. Her books include Sidewalk City: Re-Mapping Public Space in Ho Chi Minh City (University of Chicago Press, 2015) and Learning to be Capitalists: Entrepreneurs in Vietnam’s Transition Economy (Oxford University Press, 2008).

 

Previously, Dr. Kim was Associate Professor at MIT’s Department of Urban Studies and Planning. She received her Ph.D. in city and regional planning and masters of visual studies from the University of California, Berkeley. She received her masters in public policy and urban planning from Harvard University and her B.A. in architecture and studio art from Wellesley College. She is a native of southern California.

 

Dr. Kim USC Profile

Since starting this podcast, we’ve received a lot of questions about various urban planning topics, careers in the field, ways to be involved without a degree, and our personal journeys. We decided to answer some of these questions that we got on Instagram - everything from how we feel about expanding Fastrak lanes to if we ride bikes! Listen to find out more!

 

For more information regarding professional opportunities in urban planning, listen to our episode with Kristy Kilbourne, aka @passionateplannning on Instagram! 

 

To get involved in planning, consider joining your local APA Chapter! 

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! We are starting off the year with an episode that is a bit different from our typical content - a lighthearted discussion about our resolutions for 2023 and our goals for the podcast this upcoming year. 

We have already started planning for amazing guests, new topics, and more listener/supporter engagement, so get ready for more urban planning knowledge!!

And last but not least, with the new year, we just wanted to say thank you so much to everyone who listens and supports the show. We are just two students who wanted to create a platform and community, and each new follower and listener makes this possible for us! 

If you live in California, you?ve probably heard of CEQA aka the California Environmental Quality Act. In this episode, Sam and Nat give a very high-level introduction of the CEQA process, its purpose, and opportunities for CEQA streamlining for various housing and multi-use developments. 

 

For more info:

OPR CEQA 101 CEQA Portal Topic Paper - CEQA Exemptions SB 375 and CEQA Streamlining

 

Other Sources:

Introduction:

The US Is Gently Discouraging States From Building New Highways

 

CEQA:

What are Exemptions Under CEQA and How Are They Used?.

Want to save nature? Get to know CEQA

CEQA Streamlining Opportunities

Sam and Nat provided you with some historical information regarding freeway development and eminent domain in the last episode. Today they are bringing you the topic of freeway expansion and why it does not work to solve traffic congestion. Referencing a report written by Transportation for America, Sam and Nat give you an overview of what induced demand actually is and what it means when it comes to highway expansion and traffic congestion. Not only will you learn about induced demand and the nuances associated with urban sprawl and traffic related challenges,  but you will also hear about what can possibly be done about it! Listen to hear more. For more information regarding the complete report by Transportation for America visit the link below!

The Congestion Con

 

Other Resources:

How highways make traffic worse

What's Up With That: Building Bigger Roads Actually Makes Traffic Worse

Expanding highways and building more roads actually makes traffic worse

Sam and Nat are beginning a mini-series to discuss all things freeway! Today they begin the series by diving into the history of the interstate highway system and provide some information regarding eminent domain and the role it played in freeway development across the country. Sam also provides some insights on a related case study in Santa Monica that she has been reviewing across this semester. This episode is anything but boring!

 

Sources:

A Brief History Of How Racism Shaped Interstate Highways

Beneath The Santa Monica Freeway Lies The Erasure Of Sugar Hill

Below Market Housing Pilot

Santa Monica tries to repay historically displaced families

Santa Monica’s message to people evicted long ago for the 10 Freeway: Come home

Welcome back to another episode of Urban Planning is Not Boring! Sam and Nat took a couple of weeks off to focus on school, work, travel, etc., but we are BACK!

In this episode, we are talking about a relatively new phenomenon - builder's remedy. If you're from LA or living in LA currently, you've probably heard of the 4500 proposed units of housing in Santa Monica in response to builder's remedy. Why is there a sudden push to propose so much housing? Does builder's remedy have the potential to help us solve the housing crisis? We explore these questions and more in this week's episode!

For more information, check out these resources:

A Primer on California’s “Builder’s Remedy” for Housing-Element Noncompliance

Builder’s remedy could allow thousands of new homes in California

Santa Monica’s ‘builder’s remedy’ experiment holds lessons for the region

City leaders still hope to block 15 of 16 builder’s remedy projects

 

Sam and Natalie sit down with Kristy Kilbourne, also know as @passionateplanning on Instagram, to bring listeners advice on how to navigate a career in planning. Covering topics from what employers are looking for in a potential new hire to what a career in planning actually looks like, this episode is one you won’t want to miss!

If you’re an aspiring planner or an early-career planner, make sure you check out the free World Town Planning Day Student Event that the Canadian Institute of Planners is hosting online! Kristy will be delivering a keynote at the end of the day with her colleague Natalie Persaud RPP, MCIP. This event will be helpful for planners outside of Canada, as well!

Where to find Kristy:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Your Planning Career

About Kristy:

Kristy Kilbourne, MCIP, RPP, AICP (she/her) is a passionate urban planner, instructor, and career coach and mentor to planners.  

Her professional background includes working in a variety of roles in the local government and non-profit sectors, as well as an independent consultant. She is an active member and volunteer with organizations including the Canadian Institute of Planners, the American Planning Association, and the Urban Land Institute. As passionate about "the Planner" as the practice of planning, Kristy is also the founder of Your Planning Career, an organization that supports career development for planners. As a career coach, she cares deeply for planners and has had the privilege of supporting hundreds of planners and aspiring planners at all stages of their careers from across Canada, the U.S. and other parts of the world. 

Kristy holds a Master's of Environmental Studies (Urban and Regional Planning) Degree and is currently a Ph.D student in the School of Planning at the University of Waterloo, Canada. She is a military spouse and mom of 3 amazing sons.

Welcome back to episode 15 of Urban Planning is Not Boring! This week, we have a very special guest on the podcast! Elizabeth Pino, a community engagement specialist and Planning Commissioner for the City of Torrance, speaks with Sam about everything from her role as a commissioner, how to get involved in public service, her experiences as a woman and mother, and the group that she helped found, Anti-Racist Moms (ARMs). 

About Elizabeth Pino:

Elizabeth Pino is a Latina immigrant, wife, proud mother, and passionate public servant.  

She currently serves as Planning Commissioner for the City of Torrance and as a community engagement specialist for Wider Circle - a community-based health organization that drives better health for older adults and other vulnerable communities. Born and raised in Cali, Colombia, during one of the darkest times in the country, known as "The Pablo Escobar Era." Elizabeth witnessed things a young child shouldn’t have to. The country was going through a volatile political era. This experience helped shape her perspective and fully understand how any country can fall apart without proper government control. These injustices motivated her to attend a four-year university, studying Political Science, and choose a career serving others. She also holds a Master’s in Public Administration with an emphasis on Nonprofits. 

During her first year in college, she interned at City Hall Los Angeles with Councilman Greig Smith. Where her love for public service evolved. After graduating from college, she co-founded a non-profit called Kiikas.org. Through this non-profit, Kiikas helped to educate young women on self-awareness techniques and provide tools to increase proactive participation in their health. 

Meet Elizabeth Pino

About Anti-Racist Moms (ARMs):

Bruce’s Beach Juneteenth celebration sheds light on Black history in Manhattan Beach

Hello everyone! We are back after a brief break with our 14th episode! As you may know, the California State Legislature has been busy lately. Consequently, there has been a lot of legislation signed into law by Governor Newsom, with a lot of these new laws relating to and impacting our work as planners. Tune in for a conversation about a select few laws that we wanted to highlight: CARB’s Advanced Clean Cars II rule, AB-2097, AB-2011*, and SB-886. We hope that we are having a nuanced conversation that can be fruitful to everyone listening, despite being a bit critical of the bills! 

However, there are SO many more bills that have been signed into law, so we wanted to provide some additional resources for those interested in learning more. 

Some other bills that we we did not have time to cover…

SB-1137: Would prohibit new oil and gas wells or extensive retrofitting of existing operations within 3,200 feet of homes, schools, nursing homes and hospitals AB-2147: Decriminalizes safely crossing the street at non-intersections. AB 1279: Codifies California’s commitment to reach carbon neutrality by 2045

CalMatters Legislation Tracker

Streets for All State Endorsements and Instagram page 

*Related to AB-2221

And last, but certainly not least, we wanted to acknowledge that we are both currently residing on and recording this podcast from Tongva land. We did not go into depth on the history of Indigenous Peoples Day and the horrific treatment of Native tribes and individuals in the United States; however, we wanted to provide some resources for further exploration and, as always, invite conversation and discussion about Indigenous planning and how Indigenous practices can be implemented into the field of urban planning. 

Indigenous

Sam and Nat have the pleasure of sitting down with Jonathan Pacheco Bell to discuss his Embedded Planning Praxis. We discuss the importance of moving from community engagement to community partnership in planning, focusing on the premise that planning does not happen from our desks! We have to plan in the spaces and places within the community. Listen to learn more about Jonathan and his Embedded Planning Praxis! 

Where can you find Jonathan Pacheco Bell?

Follow him on Instagram @c1typlann3r @embeddedplanning

Some of Jonathan’s Most Notable Work: 

2018 manifesto in #PlanMag declaring Embedded Planning praxis exists Article defining Embedded Planning praxis Article covering Embedded Planning and graffiti origins  Latest article on Embedded Planning praxis and environmental justice

To find more of his work, check out his Linktree and his blog! 

Shoutout of the episode: LA Neighborhood Land Trust

Join Sam as she discusses the history of public housing, how public housing came to have a poor reputation, and what repealing Article 34 would mean for California.

 

Sources: 

The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein

California voters to decide on repeal of anti-public housing measure in 2024

Lawmakers Push to Repeal Anti-Black Housing Law in California Constitution

It’s Past Time to Repeal Article 34

Why it's been so hard to kill Article 34, California's 'racist' barrier to affordable housing

Article 34

 

Are you considering applying to grad school? Have you ever wondered what the process to apply to grad school is like? Look no further! Natalie and Sam answer your questions about the grad school application process. We cover everything from the letter of rec process to how to make your application stand out! We hope you enjoy! 

For more information about Water Drop LA, please find their website here.

To donate to Water Drop LA, click here.

Stay connected! 

Follow us on Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok!

Join our Slack workspace.

Sam and Natalie are joined by industry professional and amazing USC adjunct Professor, Ben Feingold. What are pro-formas? Why are they used in development projects? Ben Feingold takes us through the financial analysis behind various project types and gives his own perspective on what makes a project so successful.  Listen to learn more! 

In this episode, Nat and Sam go through some of their biggest tips for starting grad school! From finding your favorite study spots to being intentional, we chat about tips specific to beginning a Master of Urban Planning and any graduate program, more generally. 

 

If you have comments, questions, thoughts, etc. about our first book club book The Color of Law by Richard Rothstein, feel free to reach out to us at [email protected]

We often associate historical discussions with the past which leads us to believe there are no impacts on the present. Sam and Natalie explain exactly why not everything historical is left in the past. The co-hosts dive into the history of zoning ordinances, exclusionary zoning, redlining, and unpack how these practices continue to impact folks today. Listen to get the full story!

 

Urban Planning is Not Boring announces our BOOK CLUB! We are SO excited to launch our book club, and the first book that we will be reading is “The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America” by Richard Rothstein. We invite you all to join us in reading this book; we will be reading Chapters 1 through 4 and discussing this first section in our episode that we will release August 22. If you have any comments, questions, observations, etc. from the book, we encourage you to DM us on Instagram @urbanplanningisnotboring or email us at [email protected] by August 19! We would love to chat about any listener comments/questions.

 

To listen to the NPR Code Switch video: Housing Segregation and Redlining in America: A Short History

 

To rent free ebooks and audiobooks with your library card, download the Libby App! 

 

Other Sources:

A Brief History of American Zoning

Understanding Exclusionary Zoning and Its Impact on Concentrated Poverty

For more information:

Down-Zoning and Exclusionary Zoning in California Law

America’s racist housing rules really can be fixed

Effective Zoning Reform Isn’t as Simple as It Seems

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! In this episode, we cover a topic that was requested via our Instagram Stories: Zoning. We begin by defining what zoning is, what is taken into consideration within zoning codes, and discuss how the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) and California Senate Bill 9 (SB9) relate to zoning. 

 

EDITS:

 

The court case brought up in the beginning of the episode is Village of Euclid vs Ambler Realty Company.

 

RHNA is currently on the 6th cycle, not the 8th. 

 

Sources:

 

Abundant Housing LA’s Updated Guide to Zoning in Los Angeles 

 

LA City Planning Zoning Overview 

 

SCAG RHNA

 

Senate Bill 9: Senate Housing Package 

 

Understanding the Zoning Code in the City of Los Angeles, Crest Real Estate

In this episode of Urban Planning is Not Boring, Sam is joined by her friend Gia Chinchilla. Sam and Gia met through Climate Action LAb, a collective that Gia founded in 2019 that aims to inform & empower Angelenos to tackle environmental justice and climate-related issues in our city. Since working at CLAb together, Sam and Gia have bonded over their shared passion for equitable and sustainable transportation solutions. Tune in to hear our conversation about Climate Action LAb, the LA Green New Deal, transit in LA, and the Urban Future conference. 

 

About Gia:

Gia (she/her) is an e-Mobility professional, carbon consultant, and writer based in Los Angeles and Paris. She is driven by the simple question: how can we create systems that sustain our well-being? With over five-years experience in clean technology and consulting, Gia has helped her clients reach innovative solutions to challenging decarbonization problems with a holistic “roadmap” to zero emissions technology. A natural storyteller, she has leveraged her experience in interpersonal communication as Founder of @climateactionlab by connecting members with the environmental movement in an approachable manner. Her work has been featured at the United Nations, the TED stage, and multiple global conferences. Outside of work, you can find Gia searching for inspiration by exploring her favorite cities via two-wheels, running trails, and her appetite

 

To keep up with Climate Action LAb, visit @climateactionlab and the website. 

 

To join the Climate Action LAb Club, visit the registration form

 

For more information about the LA Green New Deal, check out the pLAn. 

 

For more information about the Urban Future conference, visit their website. 

 

Have you heard of the concept of the 15-minute city? Winner of the 2021 OBEL AWARD and coined by Professor Carlos Moreno at the Sorbonne in Paris, this framework shapes the city in a new way that is centered around accessibility by walking and biking, keeping immediate needs within a 15-minute walk or bike. In this episode, Sam and Nat chat about what the 15-minute city framework means and some of the positive and negative implications of the implementation of this project.

 

Sources:

 

Welcome to the 15-minute city, written by Natalie Whittle.

Published on Financial Times on July 16, 2020

https://www.ft.com/content/c1a53744-90d5-4560-9e3f-17ce06aba69a

 

Defining the 15-minute city, written by Andres Duany and Robert Steuteville

Published on CNU on February 8, 2021

https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2021/02/08/defining-15-minute-city

 

The OBEL AWARD 2021 Winner

https://obelaward.org/winner-2021/

 

Shoutout:

 

Culdesac Tempe - The first car-free neighborhood built from scratch in the US!

 

Culdesac is a real estate developer and property manager. We build neighborhoods that embrace community, open space, and mobility. We offer residential units at a variety of price points integrated with local retail, commercial uses, and open space for nature and public plazas.

 

Our communities prioritize biking, walking, and transit over cars and parking. We partner with leading mobility companies to deliver convenient and affordable transportation services. This creates a vibrant urban lifestyle without the need for a private vehicle.

 

https://culdesac.com/

Sam and Nat give you a breakdown of everything you need to know about the Master of Urban Planning program. From the various concentrations that you can choose from to the ability to add certificates, we have got you covered! Since they recently finished their first year in the program, they dive into personal insights gleaned from the last year and share their thoughts on the classes that they have taken over the last year. 

 

For more information on the USC Master of Urban Planning program, check out the website linked here.

 

Destination Crenshaw

 

We are stamping Crenshaw Boulevard, the spine of Los Angeles’ Black community, with a transformative infrastructure project that will boost our community through economic development, job creation, and environmental healing, while elevating Black art and culture.

 

When completed, Destination Crenshaw will be the place to experience the most dynamic expression of Black American culture in the United States. A 1.3-mile stretch of Crenshaw Boulevard will be transformed from an area that has long deserved economic investment and strategic urban planning, into a thriving commercial corridor linked by architecturally stunning community spaces and pocket parks, hundreds of newly planted trees, and over 100 commissioned works of art.

 

For more information about Destination Crenshaw, check out the website linked here. 

Historic decision making and planning has led us to a nation with only one viable transportation option: the car. In the past, planners have focused on alternative modes of transportation including buses and rail systems. Dr. Hasan Ikhrata, CEO of San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), argues that these alternatives are not competitive with the car, in their current form, and the future of transit must be approached differently. 

More on Dr. Ikhrata: Dr. Ikhrata has over 30 years of public and private sector transportation planning experience in the region. As Executive Director of SANDAG, he directs day?to?day operations of the agency and implements policies set by its governing board. In addition, Dr. Ikhrata is the Chief Executive Officer of the SANDAG Service Bureau, the nonprofit public benefit corporation chartered by SANDAG.

For more information about FACT, please visit their website linked here: FACT San Diego

Get to know your not so boring podcast hosts Sam and Natalie as they dive into their educational backgrounds, interests, and what led them to the field of urban planning!

Resources for Contraception and Abortion Access:

For access to mail-in birth control, emergency contraception, and medication abortion pills: Three for Freedom

For abortion funds by state: Donations 4 Abortion

For Planned Parenthood donations: Planned Parenthood