Podcast
Topics Discussed
Affordable housing. Urban design. Disaster recovery and resilience. Economic development. Artificial intelligence. These are just some of the topics APA's podcast delves into with deep curiosity, expert analysis, and affecting true-life stories. Throughout every episode of the podcast, listeners of all backgrounds — from those ensconced in the daily challenges and rewards of planning to those coming to the field with fresh eyes — get a firsthand look at what it means to be a planner in a world that needs them now more than ever.
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Recent Episodes
Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning: Jill Locantore
Jill Locantore, Executive Director of the Denver Streets Partnership (DSP), joined co-hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall at the 2025 National Planning Conference in Denver to discuss how Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) can be a key tool for achieving Denver’s Vision Zero goals.
Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning: Mike Pritchard, AICP
In this episode of Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning, Mike Pritchard, AICP, Assistant Director at York County Planning Commission, explores how human-centered design and empathy interviews can transform transportation planning by prioritizing people's lived experiences over traditional data-driven approaches. The discussion highlights practical strategies for inclusive planning across diverse geographies—from urban centers to rural communities—while emphasizing the importance of storytelling and strong partnerships in securing funding and communicating complex transportation concepts to stakeholders.
Phil Green, AICP, on What Planners can Learn from Improv
In this episode of People Behind the Plans, APA Editor in Chief Meghan Stromberg talks with Phil Green, AICP—a planner by day and improviser by night—about how the skills he’s honed on stage can help planners handle curveballs at community meetings, build better conversations, and even survive a permit meltdown. Much of it comes down to active listening. With humor and heart, Phil makes the case for bringing a little “yes, and…” into your planning practice.
Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning: Wes Marshall and Trung Vo, AICP
In this episode, co-hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall took the podcast show on the road, recording episodes at the 2025 National Planning Conference in Denver. This dispatch of Critical Conversation in Transportation Planning kicks off our safety series and features Wes Marshall, PhD, PE, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Colorado Denver, and Trung Vo, AICP, PE, Denver Office Director, Senior Planner, and Owner at Toole Design. The two discuss the flawed assumptions behind traffic engineering standards, the need for courage to tackle arterial roads where most fatalities occur, and much more about traffic safety.
Katelynn Morgenstern, AICP, on Planning, Social Media, And Finding Your Voice as an Introvert
On this episode of People Behind the Plans, APA Editor in Chief Meghan Stromberg talks with Katelynn Morgenstern, AICP, Director of Planning and Zoning for Kennett Township, Pennsylvania. As an introvert, Kate turned to social media to network, build confidence, connect with peers, and explore planning issues beyond her day-to-day role. Through her @CityPlannerKate persona, she’s created a space to discuss equity, hostile architecture, and the evolving planning profession—while staying grounded in authenticity and self-care. Listen in for a thoughtful conversation on how social media can empower planners to find their voice and build community.
The Role of Planners in Space Exploration with Justin Hollander, FAICP
In this episode of the Trend Talk series, a companion podcast for APA's 2025 Trend Report for Planners, Joe DeAngelis, AICP, research manager at the American Planning Association, chats with author and urban planning professor Justin Hollander, FAICP. Listen as they examine the potential for human settlements on the Moon and Mars, and discover the unique challenges and ethical questions that come with planning cities beyond Earth.
Planning for Wellness and Personal Resilience with Dr. Mary Beth Janke
In this special NPC25 episode of the APA podcast, APA President Sue Schwartz, FAICP, interviews keynote speaker Dr. Mary Beth Janke about her experiences and insights on advancing wellness and building resilience. Dr. Mary Beth, who has over 30 years of experience in psychology, security, and investigative work, shares her thoughts on setting and achieving personal goals, including her experiences delivering a TED Talk, authoring books, and serving as a Special Agent in the U.S. Secret Service. The discussion also touches on the importance of continuously evolving and striving to live a fulfilling life. Listeners can hear more from Dr. Mary Beth at NPC25 in Denver.
The Future of Transportation with Beneeta Mary Jose
In this episode of the Trend Talk series, a companion podcast for APA's 2025 Trend Report for Planners, Joe DeAngelis, AICP, research manager at the American Planning Association, chats with recent graduate and current transportation planner, Beneeta Mary Jose. The two explore the latest trends in micromobility, electrification, and the essential balance between proactive and reactive planning. Beneeta also shares her thoughts on how young professionals are shaping the transportation landscape, the importance of including children's perspectives, and the visionary future of an integrated, sustainable, and human-centric transportation network.
Empowering youth and the Urban Planning PipeLine with Annette Koh and David Salazar, FAICP
In this episode of the APA podcast, host Dina Walters is joined by David Salazar, FAICP, and Annette Koh to discuss an initiative in Long Beach, California, that is looking to pave the way for future urban planners. Through engaging youth in high schools and teen centers, the program introduces students to the world of urban planning, providing them with tools and knowledge to improve their communities.
Building Community and Purpose: Leah RothStein on Just Action
In this special NPC25 episode of the APA podcast, host Michael Brown, AICP, conference committee chair for NPC25, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Leah Rothstein. Leah is co-author along with her father, Richard Rothstein, on the book Just Action, and has specialized in community development and affordable housing policy, practice, and finance throughout her career.
Tom Pace on Zoning Reform and Housing Innovation in Sacramento
In this episode of People Behind the Plans, APA Editor in Chief Meghan Stromberg sits down with Tom Pace, Director of Community Development for Sacramento. That California city is at the forefront of zoning reform, tackling some of the biggest challenges in housing supply and affordability. Sacramento has embraced policies to remove barriers to housing production by modernizing outdated regulations, eliminating parking requirements, and streamlining approvals. Listen in to learn how Sacramento is using zoning reform to build more equitable and livable communities.
Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning: CNT's Nina Idemudia, AICP, and Jacky Grimshaw
In this episode of Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning, hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall interview Jacky Grimshaw and Nina Idemudia, AICP, from the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) in Chicago. They discuss the evolution of transportation planning, the importance of community engagement, and the emergence of millennial leadership in the planning profession. Jacky shares her extensive experience in advocating for citizen participation in transportation planning, while Nina reflects on her journey from growing up in Detroit to serving as CNT's CEO and emphasizes the need for planners to address structural inequities. Together, they highlight CNT's innovative approaches and ongoing efforts to create equitable and sustainable urban environments.
The Future of Public Sector Planning with APA President Sue Schwartz, FAICP
On this episode of the Trend Talk series, a companion podcast for APA's 2025 Trend Report for Planners, Joe DeAngelis, AICP, Research Manager at the American Planning Association, chats with APA President Sue Schwartz, FAICP. The two discuss the evolving landscape of public sector planning and delve into current hiring challenges, the impact of political polarization on community engagement, and the importance of personal resiliency for planners. Sue shares insights on managing technological changes, balancing remote and in-office work, and preparing for future trends in the profession. Join us for an enlightening conversation on the crucial role of planners in shaping resilient and equitable communities.
Nico Larco and Kaarin Knudson on Demystifying Sustainable Urban Design
On this episode of People Behind the Plans, Nico Larco and Kaarin Knudson, co-authors of The Sustainable Urban Handbook, share real-world applications of the handbook and how planners can use it throughout the planning process to evaluate their options, engage stakeholders, and find sustainable solutions that meet their community's goals.
housing Supply Accelerator: An interview with Mortgage BAnkers Association President and CEO Robert BroekSmit
In this episode of the Housing Supply Accelerator series, Emily Pasi, Director of Public Affairs at the American Planning Association, chats with Robert Broeksmit, President and CEO of the Mortgage Bankers Association. The two discuss why MBA joined the Housing Supply Accelerator; how the economics of the housing crisis impacts the real estate finance industry; the importance of bringing the lending community's voice to the table when crafting policy; how local government can close housing development finance gaps; public-private partnerships as a financing solution; demystifying housing finance for community planners, and much more.
American FarmLand Trust's Julia Freedgood on Planning Sustainable Food Systems for All People
In this episode of People Behind the Plans, Julia Freedgood, author of Planning Sustainable and Resilient Food Systems, talks about the complex and fragile web behind the food we eat and the important role planning plays, especially in rural areas. Freedgood, a senior fellow and senior program advisor at the American Farmland Trust, digs into rural and urban agriculture, food insecurity, and even how renewable energy production can be at odds with food production. Always optimistic, she'll share how planners can shift their mindset toward comprehensive food systems planning and offer guidance on addressing food challenges.
Housing Supply Accelerator: An Interview With National Association of Realtors President Kevin Sears
In this third episode of the series, Emily Pasi, Director of Public Affairs at the American Planning Association, chats with Kevin Sears, President of the National Association of Realtors. The two discuss how real estate professionals have been specifically impacted by the housing crisis, what barriers and opportunities exist for growing the nation's housing supply, and why NAR needs to be a partner in the Housing Supply Accelerator.
The Burlington Model: How Planning-Led Reforms Transformed the City's Housing Market
In this episode of the APA Podcast, Jason Jordan, APA's Principal of Public Affairs, chats with Burlington, Vermont's former mayor, Miro Weinberger, and former planning director, Meagan Tuttle, AICP. In this discussion, they share how they worked together to provide the political leadership and critical insights needed for Burlington to enact one of the nation's most important and far-reaching reforms aimed at increasing the housing supply.
Improvise, Innovate and Involve: 3 Planners Reveal the Importance of Flipping Your Perspective
Welcome to the third episode of Short Takes, a three-part miniseries from the American Planning Association. Short Takes, hosted by Sophia Burns, brings listeners into the field with planners pursuing inventive new approaches to everyday issues: community engagement, land use and zoning, and career advancement. In this episode, we share how three planners helped community members navigate change with deep listening, secret shopping, and sometimes leading by following. Listen as they share how putting themselves in stakeholders' shoes ultimately made them more informed and effective collaborators.
Aspire, Advocate, and Advance: 2 Planners Talk Frankly About Career Challenges and Moving Up
Welcome to the second episode of Short Takes, a three-part miniseries from the American Planning Association. Short Takes, hosted by Sophia Burns, brings listeners into the field with planners pursuing inventive new approaches to everyday issues: community engagement, land use and zoning, and career advancement. In this episode, we dive into the journeys of two planners who have transformed career challenges into opportunities for growth. They share their strategies for coping with imposter syndrome, advocating for themselves, and advancing their careers. Listen as they recount handling negative comments with grace, confidently navigating tough conversations, and successfully negotiating for what they truly deserve.
Creativity, Compensation, and Culture: 3 Planners Share Community Engagement Innovations
Welcome to the first episode of Short Takes, a three-part miniseries from the American Planning Association. Short Takes, hosted by Sophia Burns, brings listeners into the field with planners pursuing inventive new approaches to everyday issues: community engagement, land use and zoning, and career advancement. This episode retraces three planners' steps as they implement and evaluate novel approaches to community engagement. Tune in to hear how block parties, compensation policies, and "Frenchified" zoning puns are winning planners more face time with the communities they serve.
Housing Supply Accelerator: An Interview With National Association of Home Builders Chairman Carl Harris
In this second episode of the series, Emily Pasi, Director of Public Affairs at the American Planning Association, chats with Carl Harris, Chairman of the National Association of Home Builders. The two discuss the NAHB's role as a core partner in the Housing Supply Accelerator, as well as some of the barriers home builders face to building more housing nationwide. They also look at some of the potential solutions that can help communities and developers work together to produce, preserve, and provide diverse, attainable, and equitable housing options.
Housing Supply Accelerator: An Interview With National League of Cities CEO Clarence Anthony
In this first episode in a new series, Emily Pasi, director of public affairs at the American Planning Association, chats with Clarence Anthony, CEO of the National League of Cities (NLC). Clarence and NLC are partners alongside APA on the Housing Supply Accelerator. The two discuss the importance of elected officials, home builders, real estate professionals, bankers, and community planners coming together to address the housing supply crisis; how partnerships can address housing supply barriers; the solutions outlined in the newly released Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook; and much more.
National Zoning Atlas founder Sara bronin is Empowering Communities to Transform Land Use
In this episode of People Behind the Plans, host Meghan Stromberg sits down with Sara C. Bronin, founder and director at The National Zoning Atlas. Bronin explains how an effort to Desegregate Connecticut paved the way for the National Zoning Atlas and how planners are contributing to — and benefiting from — this movement to demystify and democratize the policies that shape communities.
Megan Oliver on How to Plan for Happiness in Cities
In this episode of People Behind the Plans, Megan Oliver, AICP, WELL AP, founder of Hello Happy Design, discusses how the intersection of neuroscience and planning — neuro-urbanism — can provide planners with the necessary tools to design places for social and emotional health. Oliver also speaks to the rising awareness of neurodiversity and how we can change our assumptions about how community members engage with the people and places around them.
Anaid Yerena and Rashad Williams on Building an Equitable Future of Planning
In this episode of People Behind the Plans, JAPA contributors Rashad Williams, Assistant Professor of Race and Social Justice in Public Policy at the University of Pittsburgh, and Anaid Yerena, Associate Professor of Urban Studies at the University of Washington, Tacoma, speak about anti-racist community planning concepts that lay the foundation for planners to reckon with history, disrupt the status quo and find new ways to pursue equity in every community.
Reconnecting Roots: Planner Jewell Littles Walton Uncovers Family Ties to Tulsa's Black Wall Street
Jewell Littles Walton is an urban planning and real estate professional with a career spanning multiple decades. She joins Dina Walters, a member of APA's Prioritize Equity team, for this special episode to share the story of uncovering her family's connection to the early 20th-century Greenwood neighborhood in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Greenwood was known as "Black Wall Street", one of the most prosperous African-American communities in the United States, and was home to one of the nation's worst race massacres.
Shain Shapiro on Taylor Swift and the Benefits of a Music Policy for Your City
In this episode of the People Behind the Plans series, Shain Shapiro, founder and executive chairman of Sound Diplomacy, discusses how planners can champion music policy in cities, as well as a case study of an American city that took a strategic approach to incorporating music in its long-term plan.
Taiwo Jaiyeoba on How Planners Can Lead Through Zoning Reform and by Crafting Equitable Comprehensive Plans
On this episode of People Behind the Plans, Taiwo Jaiyeoba joins host Meghan Stromberg to talk about leading zoning reform efforts in Charlotte and Greensboro, North Carolina, both as a planning director and in his current role as city manager. He also shares his tips for winning over naysayers and his thoughts on what makes a good comprehensive plan.
Robert Goodspeed on How Exploratory Scenario Planning Helps Imagine Uncertain Futures
In this episode, APA Research Manager Joe DeAngelis, AICP, sits down with Robert Goodspeed, AICP, to talk about how exploratory scenario planning can help planners bring together disparate stakeholders and variables to build robust plans that can help cities prepare for whatever comes next — be it rain, shine, boom or bust.
Youtuber and Planner Dave Amos on Teaching a Crash Course In Urban Planning, One Video At a Time
In this episode of the People Behind the Plans podcast, YouTuber and planner Dave Amos talks about his fortuitous route to the profession, why he's telling the planning story in exciting, new ways, and how planners can lean into social media to connect with their communities.
Planning to Ensure Longevity For Small Minority-Owned Businesses
In this APA podcast — part of the Planning for Equity series — Bobby Boone, founder and chief strategist of &Access, discusses economic development strategies for combatting the displacement of small minority-owned businesses. Boone shares how planners can work with small businesses, what to look out for, and how to engage owners.
Embracing Heritage: How Culture Influences Your Planning Work
In this APA podcast — part of the Planning for Equity series — Daniel Besinaiz, senior comprehensive planner at the City of Colorado Springs, shares his somewhat unexpected and personal journey on learning to celebrate and embrace his Latino heritage. Hear how Daniel reconnected with his roots and applied inspiration from his heritage to his current planning work. Finally, hear how being a part of the Latinos and Planning Division has helped with his journey.
Disability Advocate Rebekah Taussig on Built Environment Barriers You Might Not See
In this episode of People Behind the Plans, we sit down with Rebekah Taussig before her keynote address at APA's 2023 National Planning Conference. She explains how storytelling has allowed her to reclaim the narrative of her own life and help others understand how isolating, cumbersome, unjust, and unsustainable our cities and our culture are for people with disabilities.
Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning: Misty Klann and Cole Grisham
In this episode, we hear from Misty Klann and Cole Grisham, who are both closely involved in managing the Federal Highway Administration's Transportation Planning in Tribal Communities Research Study. This research seeks to align available planning analysis tools with Tribal community needs based on a range of contextual factors and to quantify the benefits of planning analysis in the project selection and delivery processes.
Mural Arts Philadelphia's Jane Golden: Planning and Public Art Ignite Change
Philadelphia is a public art epicenter — and not by chance. The city has long institutionalized investment in local muralists through programs like Mural Arts Philadelphia, a nonprofit created in 1998 by artist and executive director Jane Golden. Through more than 4,000 murals, the program has helped residents celebrate identity, tackle issues like environmental justice, and paint the change they want to see.
Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning: Tamika Butler
In this episode, we hear from Tamika Butler, a national expert on issues related to public policy, the built environment, equity, anti-racism, diversity and inclusion, organizational behavior, and change management. The conversation covers a wide range of topics related to Tamika's research, which employs a critical race, historical, legal, and policy-based approach to examine how transportation policy and infrastructure have been used to segregate, isolate, and prevent the mobility of Black and other historically oppressed groups of people.
'Arbitrary Lines' Author Nolan Gray on Zoning Reform and hitting Planning's Reset Button
In this special episode of the People Behind the Plans podcast, Arbitrary Lines author Nolan Gray sits down with guest host Jason Jordan, APA's director of public affairs, to examine the cities and states charting a new course for zoning reform — and offer advice for planners navigating the myriad interests impacting land use decisions.
Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning: Judy Shanley and Claire Stanley
In this episode of the Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning series, we'll hear from Judy Shanley, a Project Director with the National Office of Easterseals in Chicago, and Claire Stanley, a Public Policy Analyst at the National Disability Rights Network (NDRN). Their conversation brings forth insightful ideas and guidance on how transportation professionals can reimagine how we plan for maximum mobility and accessibility in our transportation infrastructure and beyond.
Philadelphia CIO Mark Wheeler: Web 3.0 and Blockchain Could Bring Transparency to Smart Cities
In this episode of the People Behind the Plans series, Mark Wheeler, CIO for the City of Philadelphia, explores blockchain's potential, how it can provide transparency to the data collection that fuels smart cities, his advice for planners, and where he looks for inspiration and innovation.
Planner and City Official Nithya Raman's Vision to End Homelessness in Los Angeles
In this episode of the People Behind the Plans podcast series, urban planner and L.A. City Council member Nithya Raman shares her vision for reducing homelessness. She also offers tips for working more effectively with city government and explains how planners can use their expertise to educate and galvanize communities for positive change.
Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning: Olatunji Oboi Reed
In this podcast episode, Olatunji Oboi Reed, founding President & CEO of Equiticity, discusses emerging research on how a neighborhood's infrastructure can have an impact on reducing violence and how Equiticity's Mobility Rituals are increasing social cohesion and collective efficacy through bike rides, neighborhood walking tours, and public transit excursions.
Navigating Mobility Justice With Naomi Doerner
As a growing number of cities develop mobility justice initiatives, Naomi Doerner, MUP, is helping planners navigate these efforts to address systemic inequities and barriers in transportation. Doerner, principal and director of equity, diversity, and inclusion at Nelson\Nygaard Consulting Associates, sat down with host Courtney Kashima, AICP, to talk about what mobility justice looks like in practice, including some inspirational examples from around the world.
The Intersection of Hip Hop and Planning with Michael Ford
In this special episode of the People Behind the Plans podcast, guest host Jason Pugh, AICP, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, president of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), sits down with Michael Ford, AIA, NOMA, keynote speaker at the 2022 APA National Planning Conference. In this live-recorded discussion in San Diego, Ford and Pugh talk about the unique connection between hip-hop, urban design, community engagement, and so much more.
San Diego County Tackles Affordable Housing and Climate Change
Dahvia Lynch, AICP, the director of Planning & Development Services for San Diego County, talks about her agency's bold plans for housing and climate change, an accessory development unit program that helped drive a 70 percent uptick in ADUs, and an agricultural conservation program that has permanently set aside nearly 80,000 acres. The agency also takes a connected approach to housing and vehicle miles traveled while supporting electric vehicle adoption.
Cascading Hazards with Dr. Michael Greenberg
In this episode of the Resilience Roundtable series, host Rich Roths, AICP, speaks with Michael Greenberg, Ph.D., distinguished professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy at Rutgers University. The two discuss the concept of cascading hazards, what they are, where are they more prevalent, and how they are prepared for and mitigated through plans at local, state, and federal levels of government.
Fighting Climate Change in Cities With BioDiversity and Nature-Based Design
In this episode of the People Behind the Plans podcast series, host Courtney Kashima, AICP, is joined by Rasmus Astrup, partner and design principal at Danish urban design and landscape architecture practice SLA. Rasmus and Courtney discuss the importance of biodiversity and nature-based solutions to address the needs of cities to mitigate against the effects of climate change and specific issues like extreme urban heat.
TikTok's TalkingCities Makes Urban Planning Fast and Easy to Grasp
Urban planning is going viral on TikTok. TalkingCities, a popular account by Paul Stout, distills urban planning concepts into bite-sized videos. APA's Lindsay Nieman chats with Paul about how he got started, what planning subjects he's most interested in, and why TikTok makes his channel's success possible.
Artificial Intelligence and Urban Planning: What Planners Need to Know Now
Artificial intelligence experts Neda Madi and Tom Sanchez join APA research director Petra Hurtado, AICP, to discuss why planners need to pay attention to AI (hint: it's already being used in many planning contexts). They talk in-depth about the potential impacts on communities, as well as how planners can mitigate the negative ones.
Philadelphia Is Transforming Vacant Lots into Climate-Resilient Pollinator Gardens
Planning and community health manager Sagar Shah speaks with Jen Mihills of the National Wildlife Federation and Samir Dalal of the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society about cleaning and greening vacant lots in Philadelphia. The two provide actionable advice to planners looking to use similarly low-cost but high-impact solutions in their communities.
We Need to Outthink Wildfire, Not Try to Eliminate It
With an unprecedented season of wildfires barely in our rearview mirror, National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) veteran Michele Steinberg comes on the Resilience Roundtable podcast series to talk about wildfire mitigation and prevention. Her conversation with host Jim Schwab, FAICP, revolves around the NFPA's newest policy initiative, Outthink Wildfire.
The City-Making Process Focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in This Planner's Work
Cherie Jzar, AICP, has worked in a wide range of planning areas. Now, she's bringing her expertise to a new initiative: building more equitable policies and practices as the City of Gastonia's Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Coordinator. Listen as she speaks with APA editor-in-chief Meghan Stromberg about her work experience and takeaways from centering her career, regardless of a position's focus, on social justice.
"Feminist City" Author Leslie Kern on Envisioning More Equitable Urban Spaces
Author Leslie Kern joins host Courtney Kashima, AICP, on this episode of People Behind the Plans to discuss her latest work, Feminist City: Claiming Space in a Man-Made World. The two explore the myriad challenges women face living in and navigating spaces built largely for a narrow subset of the population.
APA Podcast Series
Planners of every discipline share the impactful work they do. Led by host Courtney Kashima, AICP, these conversations illuminate the essential hows and whys of planning.
Planning the Autonomous Future
Listen to experts discuss how autonomous vehicles could (and should) fit into the public right-of-way.
Planners and allied professionals who make resilience their mission, even in the face of devastating natural hazards, share their stories and best practices.
Have an Idea for a Podcast Episode or Series?
Is there a planning topic we haven't covered that you can't stop thinking about? Have you become aware of a planner doing exciting work in the field who deserves to be featured? Or do you just want to send us a note on how we're doing? Send your ideas, comments, and feedback to podcast@planning.org, and we'll get back to you as soon as we can.