In this episode, we sit down with Tony Lopez, an environmental planner at AECOM, to discuss his diverse experience in environmental planning and the importance of collaboration in urban development. Tony shares insights on his APA Distinguished Contribution Award, his efforts in mentoring young planners, and the impact of social mixers and educational events. We also explore tactical urbanism, a sneak peak of the development of a public space audit tool, and his vision for UrbanStrat as a platform for knowledge-sharing in urban planning.

#socialcapital #podcast #cities #urbanplanning #publicspaces #tacticalurbanism #community #equitable

In this episode, we recap our first year! and briefly talk about our goals for UB next year. #UrbanPlanning #AffordableHousing #FaithLands #CommunityDevelopment #SustainableCities #Policy #LandUse #EquityInPlanning Support the show: https://linktr.ee/UrbanBeginnings Our Website: ⁠urbanbeginningspodcast.com Instagram: @urban.beginnings Subscribe, like, tell people about us, and help us spread the word about Urban Planning. We hope you are having a great day! And, like always, sending ya’ll good vibes. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: ⁠[email protected]

In this episode, we’re joined by Eli Cruz-Rodriguez to discuss the social determinants of health and how they relate to and intersect with urban planning. Eli shares insights from his work in nutrition and community health, exploring how urban environments can support—or hinder—well-being in underserved communities. #greengentrification #foodanxiety #foodelitism #UrbanPlanning #AffordableHousing #Redlinings #CommunityDevelopment #SustainableCities #Policy #LandUse #EquityInPlanning Support the show: https://linktr.ee/UrbanBeginnings Our Website: ⁠urbanbeginningspodcast.com Instagram: @urban.beginnings Subscribe, like, tell people about us, and help us spread the word about Urban Planning. We hope you are having a great day! And, like always, sending ya’ll good vibes. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: ⁠[email protected]

In this episode, we briefly talk about SB 4, the Affordable Housing on Faith Lands Act, and discuss some of the challenges and opportunities it can create. #UrbanPlanning #AffordableHousing #FaithLands #CommunityDevelopment #SustainableCities #Policy #LandUse #EquityInPlanning Support the show: https://linktr.ee/UrbanBeginnings Our Website: ⁠urbanbeginningspodcast.com Instagram: @urban.beginnings Subscribe, like, tell people about us, and help us spread the word about Urban Planning. We hope you are having a great day! And, like always, sending ya’ll good vibes. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: ⁠[email protected]

Affordable housing is a big issue today. With rising home prices and stagnant wages, many families are struggling to find homes they can afford. But there’s a solution! Community Land Trusts (CLTs) can help keep homes affordable for generations.CLTs are nonprofit groups that own land for the community’s benefit. This means the land is not for sale in the market, so it stays affordable. Homeowners lease the land and own their houses, allowing them to build equity without worrying about rising land costs. When they sell, homes are sold at below-market prices, making sure future buyers can afford them too!CLTs are run by a group of community members who make decisions together, ensuring everyone’s voice is heard. They can work with nonprofits to create various housing options to meet local needs. Together, we can build stronger communities where everyone has a place to live! 💪❤️ A model to help fight displacement and gentrification!#CommunityLandTrust #AffordableHousing #HousingForAll #StrongerCommunities #HomeForEveryone #urbanplanning #community

In this episode, we give an update on our podcast, we discuss Pedestrian Safety Month, and discuss LatinLabic

#PedestrianSafety #UrbanPlanning #ActiveParticipation #ActiveEngagement #EmbeddedPlanning #LatinoUrbanism #Community #SocialInnovation

Support the show: https://linktr.ee/UrbanBeginnings

Our Website: ⁠urbanbeginningspodcast.com

Instagram: @urban.beginnings

Subscribe, like, tell people about us, and help us spread the word about Urban Planning.

We hope you are having a great day! And, like always, sending ya’ll good vibes.

Have an episode idea, tell us about it.

Email us at: ⁠[email protected]

In this episode, we chat it up with Ortopedia Urbana a cultural collective based in Mexico that focuses on urban renewal and community engagement through innovative projects. Ortopedia Urbana is dedicated to revitalizing public spaces by encouraging local participation and collaboration among different community stakeholders, including government entities, academic institutions, and private sectors.

We discuss their field experiences and their latest initiative, Latin Labric. Latin Labric's first community intervention along with the Florence-Firestone Community Organization on September 14th in the Florence Firestone community in Los Angeles County, featuring workshops and creative activities that celebrate Latino traditions and foster community engagement. The event includes a Placeit workshop by James Rojas, decoration workshops, and a creative piñatas intervention, all aimed at mapping community leadership and encouraging active participation in urban planning.

Ortopedia Urbana's work emphasizes the importance of community input and participation in shaping urban environments, particularly in underrepresented and marginalized communities. By incorporating art, storytelling, and hands-on activities, they aim to make urban planning more accessible and inclusive, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment among residents.

#UrbanPlanning #ActiveParticipation #ActiveEngagement #EmbeddedPlanning #LatinoUrbanism #Community #Guadalajara #Tepatitlan #SocialInnovation

Support the show

Our Website: ⁠urbanbeginningspodcast.com

Instagram: @urban.beginnings

Subscribe, like, tell people about us, and help us spread the word about Urban Planning.

We hope you are having a great day! And, like always, sending ya’ll good vibes.

Have an episode idea, tell us about it.

Email us at: ⁠[email protected]

Tune in to Episode 5: "Active Transportation and Tactical Urbanism with Isaac Gonzalez." This episode delves into urban transportation, focusing on active transportation, tactical urbanism, and community initiatives. Explore the challenges and successes of infrastructure improvements, advocating for safer streets, and engaging with city policies. Discover the importance of community involvement, the impact of grassroots campaigns, and the potential for positive change through advocacy and collaboration. From bike lanes to public transportation, gain insights into urban development, safety improvements, and the power of community activism in shaping cities for the better. Join us for Isaac's invaluable insights and perspectives, debunking misconceptions and highlighting its prevalence in cities like Paris.

Support the show

Our Website: ⁠urbanbeginningspodcast.com

Instagram: @urban.beginnings

Subscribe, like, tell people about us, and help us spread the word about Urban Planning.

We hope you are having a great day! And, like always, sending ya’ll good vibes.

Have an episode idea, tell us about it.

Email us at: ⁠[email protected]

Join us as we launch our new series, Pathways, featuring Amy Nguyen, a private sector planner transitioning into the public sector. Amy shares insights into her career shift and her passion project, Elements of Sacramento. #community #urbanplanning #communityempowerment #communityimpact #pathways

Support the show

Our Website: ⁠urbanbeginningspodcast.com

Instagram: @urban.beginnings

Subscribe, like, tell people about us, and help us spread the word about Urban Planning.

We hope you are having a great day! And, like always, sending ya’ll good vibes.

Have an episode idea, tell us about it.

Email us at: ⁠[email protected]

Welcome to another Episode of Urban Beginnings, featuring our esteemed guest, Enoc Mendoza, Transportation Planner for Kern County in Central Valley California. Join us for Episode 3. Let's Make Transportation Cool Again as we explore some elements of the world of transportation planning and chat about our varied personal and professional experiences in the public transit space. This episode covers zero emission goals, transit service between and within rural communities, intercity and regional fixed routes, urban transit systems, equitable transit, micromobility, and much MORE!!

If you're eager to learn more about what it's like to be a transportation planner or are curious about what types of projects a transportation planner works on day-to-day, this episode is for you! Please have a listen and let us know what you think. We love hearing feedback from our community of planning enthusiasts!

And remember...keep doing the work, keep showing up, and keep being awesome! And as always, sending you good vibes.

**Just a heads up, we encountered some technical issues with our video file, so this week's content will be audio-only.**

Support the show

Our Website: ⁠urbanbeginningspodcast.com

Instagram: @urban.beginnings

Subscribe, like, tell people about us, and help us spread the word about Urban Planning.

We hope you are having a great day! And, like always, sending ya’ll good vibes.

Have an episode idea, tell us about it.

Email us at: ⁠[email protected]