Urban Planning is Not Boring

Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! We had the privilege of interviewing three incredible planners from the City and County of San Bernardino, plus a special appearance from the APA California President, live from the APA 2024 California State Conference in Riverside! In this episode, we dive into their unique roles in local government, what brought them to the conference, and what they’re most excited about in the world of urban planning. We also explore the latest planning trends shaping the Inland Empire and get their top advice for first-time APA conference attendees. Whether you're new to the field or a seasoned planner, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss! Special Guests include: Andrea Ouse, Director of Community Development at City of West Sacramento and President, APA California Chapter Kassie Vickers, San Bernardino County Economic Development George Velarde, Associate Planner at City of San Bernardino Angelyn Mendoza, Assistant Planner at City of San Bernardino

In this episode of Urban Planning is Not Boring, Sam and Nat are joined by three representatives from various APA California chapters who share their experiences as young and emerging planners and discuss opportunities at the upcoming APA California Conference: Tony Lopez, APA Inland Empire Kyle Wilson, APA Orange County Brittany Montano, APA Los Angeles Join us as we dive into the world of young and emerging planners with a focus on the American Planning Association (APA) and its support for early-career professionals. We explore how APA helps shape the future of urban planning by fostering leadership, providing mentorship, and building networks for young professionals. Join us as we hear from members of the Young and Emerging Planners group, who share their experiences, challenges, and the resources that have helped them navigate the early stages of their careers. Whether you’re a student, a new planner, or someone looking to support the next generation of urbanists, this episode offers valuable insights on how APA is empowering the future of planning. APA California Conference Free Student Day: Saturday, September 28th from 8 AM - 11 PM Student Day Sessions: Urban Planning is Not Boring (UPINB) Unplugged: Insights for Professional Growth Your Dream Job May Not Exist (Yet!) – The Long and Winding Road for Planning Careers Cultivating Your internship for a Successful Planning Career What Students Want/What Employers Need (CPF) Dude, Where’s my Job? Finding your Way in the Planning Profession Other Student / YEP Activities: Buddy Program (Mentorship) Headshots Career Day - Resume/Interview Workshops (Sunday 9/29) Saturday Night Mixer Tactical Urbanism Workshop UPINB Meet and Greet (Saturday, September 28th @ 8 AM) and Live Episode How to Participate: Register for the Conference: apacalifornia.org/conference/2024-conferences Students will earn a $100 stipend for volunteering (min. 4 hours) at the conference. Sign up with our interest form and we will connect with you. Please be sure to register for the conference as well.

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 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

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 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 Joshua@abundanthousingla.org for a scholarship! About Abundant Housing LA

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 avid tech enthusiast with a penchant for innova...

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! 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 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 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.

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! ---- 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.

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 her West Dallas neighborhood (Victoria has family in Ledbetter, a barrio of West Dallas) and Oak Cliff. She served on the Arts and Culture Advisory C...