Episode sponsor: Caltrans

Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/critical-conversations-in-transportation-planning-mike-pritchard-aicp/

Co-hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall had the pleasure of sitting down with Mike Pritchard, AICP, Assistant Director at York County Planning Commission, at the 2025 National Planning Conference in Denver.

This episode of Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning 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.

Relevant Links:

● Community in Motion: The York and Adams Counties Coordinated Human Services Public Transportation Plan

● United for ALICE

● 5 Ways Empathy Can Help You Be a Better Planner

About Mike Pritchard, AICP:

Mike Pritchard, AICP, is Chief of the York County Planning Commission’s (PA) Transportation Planning division, which serves as staff to the York Area Metropolitan Planning Organization. Since 2011, he has worked in community and transportation planning at YCPC and the City of