Booked on Planning

Ever wondered why some neighborhoods transform seemingly overnight while others remain unchanged? This episode looks into the complex web of gentrification through three articles published in the last few years. We kick off with a deep dive into the term's origins and its multifaceted meanings, drawing from an insightful article by Planetizen. Along the way, we tackle the often misunderstood triggers of gentrification and challenge the conventional wisdom that luxury condos are the main culprits, especially in light of the COVID-19 pandemic, as discussed in a compelling piece from The Atlantic.

We then shift gears to explore recurring trends, comparing shifts from the early 20th century with those from the 1980s and 1990s. Drawing on Leslie Kern's book, "Gentrification is Inevitable and Other Lies," we unravel how remote work is shaping smaller cities and the varied pressures behind gentrification across regions. Our discussion underscores the necessity of involving local residents in community development to ensure new amenities benefit existing communities, not just newcomers. We also highlight the limitations of market-rate housing and call for improved public engagement in urban planning. This episode is packed with nuanced insights and actionable ideas to better understand and address the complexities of gentrification.

Show Notes:

• Episode Articles:
  • The Pandemic Disproved Urban Progressives’ Theory About Gentrification: https://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2023/06/dc-solar-power-ponzi-scheme-scandal/673782/
  • Gentrification is Complicated. But It’s Not Inevitable: https://nextcity.org/urbanist-news/gentrification-is-inevitable-and-other-lies-leslie-kern 
  • What Is Gentrification? https://www.planetizen.com/definition/gentrification 
• PlanetMoney Reel on Gentrification: https://www.instagram.com/reel/C8U3_b4vFCW/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link 
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/

Episode artwork by Georgia de Lotz on Unsplash

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In this episode, author Dennis Gale introduces us to the concept of embryonic gentrification, a nuanced and early version of gentrification as we know it driven by individual homeowners and market forces that existed before the corporate-dominated gentrification of the 1980s. We explore how this earlier form of neighborhood transformation focused on building renovations rather than new constructions, and how it managed to attract new residents while minimizing displacement.

Discover the unexpected allure of historic neighborhoods in cities like DC, New York, and Boston. Dennis sheds light on why these areas, with their rich architectural heritage and nostalgic charm, became prime targets for early gentrifiers. We delve into the rise of the national historic preservation movement and its role in shaping urban landscapes, making them appealing to those seeking shorter commutes and vibrant, diverse living environments. As we transition to the 1980s and beyond, we discuss how advanced gentrification attracted a broader demographic, contributing to the urban revival narrative while raising new challenges.

Show Notes:

• Further Reading: There Was Nothing There by Sara Martucci and Before Gentrification by Tanya Maria Golash-Boza
• To help support the show, pick up a copy of the book through our Amazon Affiliates page at https://amzn.to/468jpWm or even better, get a copy through your local bookstore!
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/ 

Episode artwork by Josh Wilburne on Unsplash

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Dwell time, the time in which it takes for a cleaning product to work on a targeted material in art conservation, serves as a profound metaphor for the immigrant experience in author Rosa Lowinger's book of the same name. "Dwell Time: A Memoir of Art, Exile, and Repair", begins with Rosa's family's escape from Jewish persecution to their new home in Cuba, and then eventually to their new life in America, sharing how these experiences laid the foundation for her career in art conservation. Inspired by Primo Levi, Rosa’s memoir is uniquely organized around different conservation materials, blending her professional expertise with deeply personal stories. Art isn't just about aesthetics; it’s a powerful storyteller and a cornerstone of community identity. 

Show Notes:

• Further Reading: The Dutch House by Ann Patchett (fiction book about a family revolving around a building and house and its relationship)
• To help support the show, pick up a copy of the book through our Amazon Affiliates page at https://amzn.to/3YmbbYB or even better, get a copy through your local bookstore!
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/

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Can empathy change the way we design our cities? Join us as we navigate this compelling question with Elgin Cleckley, author of "Empathic Design: Perspectives on Creating Inclusive Spaces." Through Elgin’s expert insights, we explore how empathy in design goes beyond aesthetics, focusing on how the built environment can recognize and honor identity, culture, history, memory, and place. We highlight the powerful story of the National Memorial for Peace and Justice in Montgomery, Alabama, shining a light on the harrowing yet pivotal narrative of John Henry James, a Black ice cream salesman lynched in 1898, and its touching connection to Charlottesville, Virginia. We also delve into impactful projects like Nina Cook-John’s Harriet Tubman Memorial and Liz Ogbu’s storytelling unit in Hunter's Point, which use materials to transform spaces and foster human connections. Joyce Hwang’s innovative creations, including the Habitat Wall and pollinator lounges, push the boundaries of design by considering both human and animal needs. These discussions underscore the crucial role of fostering a new generation of empathic designers who are deeply attuned to their natural surroundings and local communities.

Show Notes:

• Further Reading: Empathy by Susan Lazoni, The Art of Empathy by Carla McLaren, Rest is Resistance by Trisha Hersey, What it Takes to Heal by Prentis Hemphill, Feminist City by Leslie Kern, Dark Agoras by J.T. Roane, Spatializing Justice by Teddy Cruz and Fonna Forman, Happy City by Charles Montgmery 
• To help support the show, pick up a copy of the book through our Amazon Affiliates page at https://amzn.to/4cjy0AA or even better, get a copy through your local bookstore!
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/

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This episode, with guest, Jason Jordan, APA's Public Affairs Director, promises to equip you with actionable strategies from the Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook, a groundbreaking resource designed to unite planners, developers, realtors, and banking officials. Learn how this playbook can empower local leaders to create diverse, attainable, and equitable housing options, fostering civil dialogue among stakeholders to address pressing housing challenges.

We'll also tackle the pivotal issue of skilled labor shortages and the transformative power of training and apprenticeship programs. Hear insights from Montana Governor Gianforte as we explore the complex interplay between housing policies and broader social and economic issues. This episode sheds light on innovative approaches beyond traditional zoning and land-use regulations, providing a holistic view of how communities can collaboratively overcome housing hurdles.

Show Notes:

• Further Reading: Excluded by Richard Kahlenberg, Paved Paradise by Henry Graber, Emergent Tokyo: Designing the Spontaneous City by Jorge Almazan
• Download your copy of the Housing Supply Accelerator today at https://planning.org/housing-supply-accelerator/ 
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/

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Discover the future of housing with author Diana Lind as we explore innovative solutions for smarter, simpler, and happier living. Can accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and co-living arrangements be the answer to our housing crisis? We'll discuss the benefits of these options, the possibility of enforcing maximum size requirements for single-family homes, and dive deep into the historical shift from multi-generational living to the isolated single-family home model.

Show Notes:

• Further Reading: Fixer Upper by Jennie Schuetz, Arbitrary Lines by M. Nolan Gray, Color of Law by Richard Rothstein, and Paved Paradise by Henry Grabar
• To help support the show, pick up a copy of the book through our Amazon Affiliates page at https://amzn.to/4aLicok or even better, get a copy through your local bookstore!
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/

Cover art by Liz Sanchez-Vegas on Unsplash

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In a follow up to Bicycle City, we discuss an older, but no less relevant book--Street Fight by Janette Sadik-Khan. The title may be misleading for those in the planning profession, but it truly is the story of a fight over space in the streets. Space for not only cars, but pedestrians and bicyclists too. So many years were devoted to building six lane in town "highways" that our cities have become inhospitable places for individuals that either have to or choose to walk or bike to get around. While working as the Transportation Commissioner in New York City, Janette changed the way not only New Yorkers, but cities across the U.S. thought about who our streets should be designed for.

The poster child for turning space back over to pedestrians covered in this episode and the book is Times Square's transformation from congested roads to people-first spaces. It wasn't just about adding lawn chairs—it was a statement, a proof of concept that has since spurred economic growth and improved quality of life. Dive into the heart of urban revolution with us, where advocacy meets action, leadership strides forward, and the role of planners in political realms is not just envisioned but enacted.

Show Notes:

• To help support the show, pick up a copy of the book through our Amazon Affiliates page at https://amzn.to/4c2KnQU or even better, get a copy through your local bookstore!
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/

Episode Artwork via Curbed New York

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May is Bike Month and it timed perfect to interview Dan Piatkowski on his book coming out this month titled "Bicycle City: Riding the Bike Boom to a Brighter Future." Our conversation sheds light on the power of e-bikes as vehicles for sustainable urban transport. We tackle the questions around electric vehicles and their true impact on city design, challenging the prevalent notion that technological advancement alone can solve our environmental issues. We also examine the agility of urban centers during times of crisis, drawing parallels to the rapid changes seen in response to the pandemic and the lessons we can carry forward for climate action. As we wrap up this episode, the notion of 'car light' living steers us toward a vision of cities abundant with walkable streets and bike paths that are inclusive for all. 

Show Notes:

• Further Reading: Dark PR by Grant Ennis,  Autonorama by Peter Norton, Traffic by Tom Vanderbilt; Killed by a Traffic Engineer by Wes Marshall, When Driving is not an Option by Anna Zivarts.
• Further Utopian Reading: The Dispossessed by Ursula K. Le Guin, William Gibson's work, Cory Doctorow’s work
• To help support the show, pick up a copy of the book through our Amazon Affiliates page at https://amzn.to/3VpKbW8 or even better, get a copy through your local bookstore!
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/

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This episode offers a glimpse into the 2024 Trend Report published by the American Planning Association, providing planners with the foresight to navigate our rapidly evolving world. The report is not just predicting the future it's equipping readers with the tools to shape it. Our discussion with Petra Hurtado illuminates how the trends detailed in the report will influence community development, technological advances, and societal shifts, all while emphasizing the necessity of integrating these insights into everyday urban planning.

Show Notes:

• Further Reading: Ministry of the Future by Kim Stanley Robinson, The Good Ancestor by Roman Krznaric and, Utopia for Realists by Rutger Gregman
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/

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Discover the untold stories of America's most resilient towns with Michelle Wild Anderson, whose book "The Fight to Save the Town: Reimagining Discarded America" weaves a compelling narrative of hope and renewal. In this episode we talk about how local governments and everyday citizens band together to overcome adversity with stories like the reopening of an Oregon library, the spirited comeback of Lawrence, Massachusetts, and the spirit of Detroit as they bounce back as beacons of community strength. Join us as we peel back the layers of skepticism surrounding local government and reveal the strategies that help restore trust and empower citizens.

Show Notes:

• Further Reading: Race for Profit by Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Fulfillment by Alec MacGillis, and Paved Paradise by Henry Grabar
• To view the show transcripts, click on the episode at https://bookedonplanning.buzzsprout.com/

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