Shows
Urban Planning is Not BoringConversations from Riverside: A Live Episode from the APA California State ConferenceWelcome 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...2024-10-0744 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringDesigning Exclusion: Hostile Architecture with Jonathan Pacheco BellIn this episode of Urban Planning is Not Boring, we sit down with Senior Embedded Planner at 4Leaf Inc., Jonathan Pacheco Bell, to discuss hostile architecture. Jonathan recently appeared on the Decoder Ring and KJZZ NPR Phoenix podcasts where he discussed the inequities in public spaces caused by hostile architecture. He defines hostile architecture as "elements of the built environment that are designed to deter human behaviors and make targeted populations feel uncomfortable in public space." Together, we explore how hostile architecture impacts the built enviornment and public spaces, with a particular focus on how it marginalizes vulnerable communities. W...2024-09-2454 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringNavigating Early Careers: Insights from APAIn 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...2024-09-0950 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringWE ARE SO BACK!After a few months off, we're excited to say that Urban Planning is Not Boring is back! In this episode, we're catching up on what we've been up to during the break and sharing some personal updates. Don't worry—your favorite urban planning content is just around the corner. Stay tuned for more deep dives into the world of urban planning in upcoming episodes!
Coming Soon!
We will be hosting a session at the APA California 2024 Conference in Riverside California! If you'll be there, come say hi!
“Urban Planning is Not Boring” Unplugged: Insights for Pro...2024-08-2726 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringReimagining Downtowns in a Post-Pandemic WorldWelcome 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 o...2024-03-0526 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringVMT 101: Understanding the Basics of Vehicle Miles TraveledWelcome 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...2024-02-1238 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringBeyond Home and Work: Exploring the Importance of Third PlacesWelcome 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...2024-01-3144 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringSpotlight on APA Inland EmpireWelcome 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...2024-01-1642 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringTransit-Oriented Development (TOD) East to West with Four Degrees to the StreetsHappy 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...2024-01-021h 06
Urban Planning is Not BoringData-Driven Urban Planning: A Conversation with Federico Fernandez
Welcome back to Urban Planning is Not Boring! In this episode, Sam and Nat sit down with Federico Fernandez, a prominent figure in urban planning, cofounder of UrbanSim and Urbanly. Join us as we explore the dynamic world of urban simulation!
Federico shares his insights into the innovative technologies that UrbanSim has developed to simulate urban environments, providing valuable insights to urban planners and policymakers. We delve into the exciting potential of urban simulation in optimizing transportation, land use, and overall urban development. We also discuss Federico's newest venture, Urbanly, and its mission to empower individuals with...2023-11-0142 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringChallenges and Controversies: The Homelessness Crisis and Supreme Court AppealWelcome 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...2023-10-2327 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringA Brief Introduction to Affordable Housing
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...2023-10-1036 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringSmall Steps, Big Impact: Incremental DevelopmentCities 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...2023-09-1957 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringDiscover civicX with co:censusWelcome 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...2023-09-1229 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringExploring Equitable Zoning Reform with Urban Land Institute
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
...2023-09-0445 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringBridging Architecture and Planning with Shiva GhomiWelcome 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...2023-08-2125 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringUnpacking MOVE Culver City's ControversyWelcome 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...2023-08-0723 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringCatching up with Sam and Nat
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...2023-07-1747 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringIntersections of Design and Planning with Shruti ShankarWelcome 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...2023-06-1935 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringDo We Need to Develop More Market Rate Housing? Exploring the Concept of FilteringWelcome 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...2023-06-0631 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringSitting down with Strategic Actions for a Just Economy (SAJE)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 di...2023-05-2937 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringLet’s Learn About Grief Urbanism with Ryy Dickerson 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...2023-05-1541 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringOur Streets Action Committee: Advocating for Safe and Accessible Streets in Los AngelesHappy 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 c...2023-05-0826 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringAPA National President Angela Brooks Sits Down with UPINBWelcome 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...2023-05-0155 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringThe Intersection of Content Creation and Urban PlanningWelcome 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...2023-04-1727 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringThe Importance of People-Centered Planning with RAYO PlanningAttention 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...2023-04-0341 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringThe Finale of the USC MUP Program: Capstone 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! 2023-03-2045 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringDisaster Planning and Community Engagement with Dr. Santina ContrerasThis 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 eart...2023-03-0647 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringGendered Experiences on Transit with Meghna Khanna"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 W...2023-02-2743 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringLet's talk about Placemaking with Dee PowellDesiree (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...2023-02-1344 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringAffordable Housing Development with Peter EnzmingerIn 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! 2023-02-0647 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringSitting Down with Kristen Jeffers (@blackurbanist)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 suppo...2023-01-301h 05
Urban Planning is Not BoringWhat is Critical Cartography? A Conversation with Dr. Annette KimHave 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...2023-01-2335 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringYou Asked, We AnsweredSince 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...2023-01-1656 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringResolutions for the New Year!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 t...2023-01-0955 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringLet's talk about CEQAIf 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 Ar...2022-12-1946 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringFreeway Expansion: It Won’t Solve Traffic Congestion!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 c...2022-12-1353 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringWhat the Freeway (WTF): Eminent Domain and the Interstate Highway SystemSam 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 S...2022-11-2135 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringWhat is Builder's Remedy?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...2022-11-1454 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringCareer Coaching with Kristy KilbourneSam 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...2022-10-2456 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringWhat is a Planning Commissioner?? A Conversation with Elizabeth PinoWelcome 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...2022-10-1737 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringThe California Legislature Has Been Busy: A Policy RecapHello 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 bi...2022-10-1157 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringEmbedded Planning Praxis with Jonathan Pacheco BellSam 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 #Plan...2022-09-2652 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringLife after USC with Alex SarnoSam and Nat sit down with their former classmate, Alex Sarno, who shares his experiences from both undergrad and graduate school. He also shares his experiences in consulting and how he prepared himself for a career in urban planning. Listen to hear more!2022-09-1928 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringPublic Housing and the Vote to Repeal Article 34Join 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
2022-09-1320 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringApplying to Grad School? We got you.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 Sl...2022-09-0545 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringThe Math is Mathing: Pro-Forma Analysis with Ben FeingoldSam 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! 2022-08-2946 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringA Heated Book Club - Color of Law Pt 1In this episode, Nat and Sam discuss the first four chapters of The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How our Government Segregated America by Richard Rothstein...and it gets a bit heated. 2022-08-2255 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringGrad School Survival GuideIn 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 urbanplanningisnotboringpod@gmail.com2022-08-1544 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringDear Zoning, You SuckWe 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 For...2022-08-0858 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringZoning, RHNA, SB9…oh my!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.
...2022-08-0140 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringL.A. Mobility Culture with Gia ChinchillaIn 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...2022-07-2541 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringThe 15-Minute CityHave 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....2022-07-1938 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringA Breakdown of the USC Master of Urban Planning ProgramSam 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.
D...2022-07-1126 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringThe Future of Transportation with Hasan IkhrataHistoric 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‐d...2022-07-0432 min
Urban Planning is Not BoringA Not So Boring IntroductionGet 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 Parenthood2022-06-2744 min