Urban Planning is Not Boring

Oct 07 2024 53 ep. 42 mins 27
Urban Planning is Not Boring Podcast artwork

Passionate about climate change mitigation, finding equitable solutions to the housing crisis, and more, Sam Ellman and Natalie Ikhrata dive into various topics related to the field of urban planning that are anything but boring! This podcast aims to break down complex urban planning concepts and present them in an accessible and engaging way for listeners of all backgrounds. Whether you are a seasoned urban planner or simply interested in learning more about how cities are designed and built, "Urban Planning is Not Boring" is the perfect podcast for you.

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Conversations from Riverside: A Live Episode from the APA California State Conference

Oct 07 2024 44 mins  
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

Designing Exclusion: Hostile Architecture with Jonathan Pacheco Bell

Sep 24 2024 54 mins  
In 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 envir

Navigating Early Careers: Insights from APA

Sep 09 2024 50 mins  
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 t

WE ARE SO BACK!

Aug 27 2024 26 mins  
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

Reimagining Downtowns in a Post-Pandemic World

Mar 05 2024 26 mins  
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 a

VMT 101: Understanding the Basics of Vehicle Miles Traveled

Feb 12 2024 38 mins  
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

Beyond Home and Work: Exploring the Importance of Third Places

Jan 31 2024 44 mins  
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

Spotlight on APA Inland Empire

Jan 16 2024 42 mins  
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, expl

Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) East to West with Four Degrees to the Streets

Jan 02 2024 66 mins  
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 coa

Challenges and Controversies: The Homelessness Crisis and Supreme Court Appeal

Oct 23 2023 27 mins  
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