Nina Simone sang, "To be young, gifted, and Black." For today's episode, we'll add one more: to be young, gifted, Black, and a planner! Nimo and Jas sat down with Kamau As-Salaam, the Assistant Director of Planning and Zoning for Henry County, Georgia, part of the Atlanta Metropolitan Area, where the population is expected to increase by 1.8 million by 2050. Kamau participated in and facilitated Henry County's 2045 Comprehensive Plan, zoning code updates, housing affordability measures, and diversification of Henry County's housing stock. Kamau has a bachelor's degree in History with a minor in Geography from Tennessee State University and a master's degree in City and Regional Planning from the Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, Georgia. Press play to hear: 

• Unique challenges and solutions when working at the county level with competing growth priorities
• Kamau's motivation for working in the planning field and local government experience
• Navigating the industry as a Black male planner and recommendations for diversifying future generations of planners 
• Planning hot takes in 30 seconds or less

Questions for Kamau? Send him an email: [email protected]

Thank you for listening. Tune in every other Tuesday, when Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.

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Announcements

Smart Growth America's Equity Summit is March 27-28. Nimo will moderate the panel: "Building momentum: Lessons from frontline advocates & government leaders"

Stay tuned for APA Women Entrepreneurs in Urban Planning March 14 recording featuring Jas and fellow women entrepreneurs