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This student-run podcast explores diverse topics around sustainable urban planning. Students who are enrolled in George Washington University’s Master’s program in Sustainable Urban Planning host each season of this podcast. We interview thought leaders and working professionals, to get perspectives from the local to the global. We discuss sustainability, equity, social justice, policy, and design as they relate to the built environment. Tune in each semester for a new season for contemporary discussions about what’SUP with sustainable urban planning!
Episodes
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Tuesday Feb 14, 2023
Summary:
This episode is part of our Celebrating Black History Month podcast series where students in the Sustainable Urban Planning program at the George Washington University interview Black and African American planners and urbanists. In this episode, graduate student Ugonna Njeze interviews Lakeshia Wright, AICP, on what equitable urban planning looks like and how to support people of color in the field of urban planning. They discuss skills planners can add to their equity toolkits to promote meaningful change for minority communities. Lakeshia shares her personal journey as a woman of color in the field of urban planning, providing insights on finding joy, overcoming barriers, and using your voice.
Highlights from the Conversation:
- Career milestones
- Understanding unconscious biases and cognitive dissonance
- Navigating contentious topics
- Inclusive urbanism
- Challenging the silo mentality
- Creating a culture of respect
- Building your network
- Advice for emerging professionals
- Impacts of technology on people of color
Guest Mini Bio:
- Lakeshia Wright, AICP, is an urban planner, UX researcher, and data disrupter currently working as a senior UX researcher and strategist at Happy Cog.
- Connect with her on LinkedIn or get in touch via email.
Learn More!
- On biases:
- 2021 American Planning Association (APA) blog: The Continued Challenges of Bias and Discrimination Within Planning Education
- Equitable urban development case studies:
- APA’s Equity in Practice
- Using data and technology for equitable planning:
- Greenlink Equity Map: Community of Practice
Credits:
- A special thanks to guest speaker Lakeshia Wright
- Interview by Ugonna Njeze
- Intro and outro by Alex Davis
- Produced by Reagan Smith
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Wednesday Apr 13, 2022
Summary:
This episode is part of our Celebrating Black History Month podcast series where students in the Sustainable Urban Planning program at George Washington University interview Black and African American planners and urbanists. In this episode, grad student Courtney Carothers interviews alumna Allie Thompson on environmental and climate justice and the impacts on communities of color. They discuss the struggles and triumphs of being a woman of color in the field of urban planning and strategies for self-care. Allie offers powerful advice for combatting imposter syndrome and prioritizing mental health as well as the importance of finding your passion, building your network, and connecting to a mentor.
Highlights from the Conversation:
- Climanomics – The Economic Impacts of Climate Change
- Climate Risk
- Supporting Communities of Color
- Environmental Justice
- Transportation Planning and Gentrification
- Representation and STEM
- Inspiring and Supporting Black and Brown Girls in Science
- Meteorology and Climate Threats
- Equity versus Equality
- Addressing the Disconnect between Policy Makers and Community Needs
Guest Mini Bio:
- Allie Thompson is an alum of the GWU Sustainable Urban Planning program, and now works as a project lead at the tech start-up The Climate Service.
- Follow her on Linkedin.
- Her recommendations to students and emerging planners include:
- Find a mentor, build a support system and network.
- Apply for jobs even when you do not meet all the requirements.
- Build and earn trust, do overcommunicate, but do not overpromise what the city can provide.
Learn More!
- Check out The Climate Service.
- Learn more about The Climate Service's Climanomics®
- Learn more about The American Planning Association (APA) and become a member!
Learn more about Equity scores from the Climate Equity Reference Project and The USC Center for Urban Education.
Credits:
A special thanks to Allie Thompson!
Interviewer: Courtney Carothers
Organized and Co-Produced by: Alex Davis
Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis
Produced by: Raven Nee
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
Tuesday Mar 08, 2022
Summary:
This episode is part of our Celebrating Black History Month podcast series where students in the Sustainable Urban Planning program at George Washington University interview Black and African American planners and urbanists. In this episode, graduate student Arielle Lofton interviews Desiree “Dee” Powell about her experiences in the field and how to ethically and equitable engage Black and Brown communities in placemaking. They discuss the historic inequities in urban planning and the current issues and threats to communities of color, as well as personal experiences and strategies to advocate for equity and inclusion. From food trucks and food deserts to public speaking and software programs, Dee gives powerful advice for emerging and established planners alike, emphasizing the importance of listening.
Highlights from the Conversation:
- Urban Design
- The Power of Listening versus Lecturing
- Creating Inclusive Places and Spaces
- The Importance of Asking Questions and Building Trust when Engaging Communities
- The Why Factor – Craft Your Passion
- Access to Transit
- Food Trucks and Food Deserts
- Ethical and Equitable Placemaking
- Representation versus Tokenism and Leveraging Your Voice
Guest Mini Bio:
- Desire Powell is an urban planner, urban designer, and place maker working for the city of Port Arthur, Texas.
- Check out some of the projects Dee has worked on below:
- Check out the MLK Food Project
- Learn more about the Better Block Foundation here!
- The We Over Me Project
- The Paul Quinn College transformed a football field into an organic farm to address food insecurity for underserved communities.
- Check out the MLK Food Project
Learn More!
- Read a Modern Cities editorial Dee wrote in 2020: Walking the Racial Equity Walk
- Check out this organization Dee mentioned: Do the Things That Matter.
- A space activation non-profit in Houston, Texas.
- Follow them on Facebook too!
- Her top recommended professional development skills for emerging planners are:
- Public Speaking, ArcGIS, Sketchup, and Adobe or other graphic design software.
Credits:
A special thanks to Desiree D. Powell. Voice, research, and interview credits to: Arielle Lofton and Alex Davis. Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis. Produced by: Raven Nee.
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
In this episode, Raven Nee and Helen Solomon interview Mathew Clarke, the director at the Design Trust for Public Land. They discuss equity and community engagement, as well as the underlying power dynamics that shape traditional modes of engagement. They break down the historic paradigms and challenge the meaning of community engagement. They discuss a park in Wenatchee, Washington as an example of building community power and the unexpected outcomes that come from a participatory and equitable process. Tune in to hear more about equitable community engagement in parks!
Highlights from the Conversation:
- Equitable community engagement
- Building community power versus empowering communities
- Race, gender, background, identity
- Respecting the agency of communities
- Parks are a conduit for building community
- 10-minute walk to a park
- Engaging with the physical space, building connections
- Fear of gentrification and deportation as barriers
- Protecting vulnerable communities
- Fostering self-awareness: to know what privileges we rest on
Guest Mini Bio:
- Matthew Clarke is the current Executive Director at the Design Trust for Public Space and former National Director of Creative Placemaking at the Trust for Public Land.
- As an architect and planner he advocates for the development of diverse public spaces and equitable communities
- He also authored “The Field Guide for Creative Placemaking and Parks”
- Keep up with Mathew on his Linkedin
Learn More!
- Check out the case study from Wenatchee, Washington
- Kiwanis Methow Park Project
- Watch the video (3 minute watch): Parks for People–Wenatchee Valley
- Case study in Washington, D.C.
- Learn more about tools for building community power from the Urban Institute
Credits:
A special thanks to Mathew Clarke. Voice, research, and interview credits to: Raven Nee and Helen Solomon. Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis. Produced by: Raven Nee.
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
In this episode, Mel Pennett and Alex Davis interview Bates McKinney to talk about inclusive programming for older adults. They discuss equity in access and the needs of senior citizens and how to create programming that keeps elderly adults active and engaged both mentally and physically. The importance of community and social connection (especially during a pandemic) reveals how central community centers are for keeping individuals healthy and socially engaged. Tune in to hear the whole conversation.
Highlights from the Conversation:
- Urban Planning and Park Equity
- Recreational programming for an aging population
- Community Centers and their contribution to quality of life
- Parks and Recreation partnership with Community Centers
- Intergenerational programming for different demographics
- Doctor’s prescription for Parks and Recreation
- Aging in place, fighting loneliness
- Community centers, seniors, and covid-19
- Barriers to access - ability to drive
- Inclusivity of seniors leads to better design for everyone - ADA, non-neurotypical, etc.
- Maslow’s hierarchy of needs
Guest Mini Bio:
- Bates McKinney works at Spartanburg County Park; designing programming for people who are aged 50 and older. Her background is in psychology and has extensive experience working with people with dementia. Seniors are her passion!
Learn More!
- Learn more about social inclusion from the World Health Organization
- Learn more about building aging and disability friendly cities from the National Institutes of Health
Credits:
Special thanks to guest Bates McKinney. Voice, research, and interview credits to Alex Davis and Mel Pennett. Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis. Produced by: Raven Nee.
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
In this episode, Joy McFadden and Garrett Johnson interview Maija Spencer who works for Portland Parks and Recreation as the parks replacement bond community engagement coordinator. They discuss how parks engage communities and develop cultural competency in a meaningful way to create more inclusive and representative parks, including how to learn from a city’s history to honor overlooked heroes. Tune in to hear the whole conversation!
Highlights from the Conversation:
- Urban Planning and Park Equity.
- Recognizing a History of Racism
- Adapting communications and outreach for Equitable Community Engagement
- Government’s responsibility to Equity
- Balancing conflicting Cultural Practices and Values, fostering authentic relationships in programming
- Acknowledging Dominant Power Structures
- Community engagement liaisons and Cultural Ambassadors
- Barriers to parks Planning and Design
Diversifying career field, increasing Representation - Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park
- Impacts of the covid-19 pandemic
Guest Mini Bio:
- Maija Spencer has worked with the city of Portland for 10 years. As a community engagement coordinator, she emphasizes community experiences and equity. Check out her work as the community bond engagement coordinator for the Parks Replacement Bond Program. Learn more about her work on the Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park Playground Project that helped inspire this episode.
Learn More!
- Video about the Verdell Burdine Rutherford Park
- Find out more about Verdell Burdine Rutherford! An important NAACP member who helped advance the rights of people of color within Portland.
- Learn more about the history and legacy of the Rutherford power couple and their work as part of the NAACP here!
Credits:
Special thanks to guest Maija Spencer. Research, concept, and voices: Joy McFadden and Garrett Johnson. Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis. Produced by: Raven Nee.
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
In this episode, Helen Solomon and Raven Nee interview the director of the National Charrette Institute, Holly Madill, on the charrette process and how it is used for community engagement. They discuss designing and defining equitable community engagement, how to measure success, how to prevent underrepresented communities from being left out of planning processes, and explore in depth how a charrette framework helps create an equitable and inclusive outcome. Tune in to hear more about what goes into a charette and how it can be used in park planning!
Highlights from the Conversation:
- Urban planning and park equity
- Charrette functions as a tool as well as a framework
- Co-embed community into planning process
- Stakeholders as designers
- White supremacy driven framework of urgency and perfectionism
- Equity versus equality
- Barriers to participation - changes due to Covid-19
- Metrics: do demographics align with those who show up to engagements?
- Community decides whether or not an outcome is equitable
Guest Mini Bio:
- Holly Madill is the director of the National Charrette Institute at Michigan State University
- She trains working professionals on charrette methodology as well as in engagement and facilitation
- She has more than 20 years of experience with participatory planning and facilitation
Reach out to her on Linkedin
Learn More!
- What is a charrette? From the World Bank
- Check out this memo from the American Planning Association on Crafting Charrettes That Transform Communities
- Community Engagement Best Practices article from the National Recreation and Parks Association which helped inspire this episode
Credits:
Special thanks to Holly Madill. Research, concept, and voices: Raven Nee and Helen Solomon. Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis. Produced by: Raven Nee.
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
In this episode, Joy McFadden and Garrett Johnson interview Kyra Gmoser-Daskalakis and Britta McOmber who wrote a report on park usership for the Santa Monica National Park. They discuss the importance of understanding the diverse backgrounds and needs of park goers and the various barriers that prevent lower income residents from utilizing and enjoying parks and open space. Tune in to hear the full conversation on the importance of access and representation!
Highlights from the Conversation:
- Urban Planning and Park Equity
- Defining cultural competency
- Inequitable access and disparate health outcomes
- Bottom up and community driven approaches to increase equity
- Design for inclusivity - importance of language and signage
- Community members as innovators and planners
- Diversity, staffing, and representation
- Understanding park users: demographics, use of parks, state of trails
- Car-centric and auto-dependent region
Guest Mini Bio:
- Kyra Gmoser-Daskalakis is a PhD student at UC Davis
- She previously worked for the UCLA Luskin Center doing research on water equity, affordability, and park access and equity
- Learn more about her here
- Britta McOmber is a project manager at the UCLA Luskin Center
- She has a background in geography and regional urban planning
- Check out her thesis project “What’s the Dam Problem?”
Learn More!
- Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Area
- Is the largest urban national park system in the country
- Results of the 2018 Visitor Survey and Visitor Count in the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area
- The report that inspired this interview
- Understanding the Needs of Diverse Park Users
- The briefing paper that breaks down the above report
Credits:
Special thanks to Kyra Gmoser-Daskalakis and Britta McOmber. Research, concept, and voices: Garrett Johnson and Joy McFadden. Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis. Produced by: Raven Nee.
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
Sunday Aug 29, 2021
In this episode, Mel Pennett and Alex Davis interview Madeline Brozen on aspects of park equity and making parks inclusive for seniors. Madeline is the Deputy Director of the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies at the Luskin School of Public Affairs and co-wrote a report detailing guidelines for making inclusive parks for elderly and aging populations. They discuss the importance of design, perception, and the surrounding demographics to make parks inclusive, equitable, and fun places for not just the elderly, but everyone!
Highlights from the Conversation:
- Urban Planning and Park Equity
- Everyone should have access to a park, we innately need to connect to nature
- Access to parks - can individuals easily use it?
- Who is the park for? Who does it serve?
- Race, Ethnicity, Language, Age, Ability, Cognitive Ability, Physical Mobility, and other identity attributes can contribute to feelings of exclusion.
- As Urban Planners, how do you design for inclusivity and shifting needs?
- Concepts of park design: physical design, passive recreation, active recreation, designated areas, low-impact exercise equipment, playground equipment, bathrooms, perception of park’s purpose, planting, and landscaping.
- Successful parks are designed for those with the highest needs, but provide benefits to all ages and demographics.
- Basic resources vs amenities.
Guest Mini Bio:
- Madeline Brozen has a background in Transportation Planning
- Previously focused on complete Streets
- Is currently the Deputy Director of the UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies at the Luskin School of Public Affairs
- Her Institute of Transportation Studies bio is here
- Also check out her other published works
- Her Linkedin profile is here
Learn More!
- Case study parks: Golden Age Park in Los Angeles, California, Portland Memory Garden, in Portland, Oregon.
- Here is the report that inspired this interview
- Play By Design’s website for inclusive playgrounds for aging populations
- An article about the Golden Age Park mentioned in the interview
Credits:
Special thanks to Madeline Brozen. Research, concept, and voices: Alex Davis and Mel Pennett. Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis. Produced by: Raven Nee.
Thursday Aug 26, 2021
Thursday Aug 26, 2021
The first season of SUP GW? is brought to you by fall 2020 semester’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) class. This class explored how equity, justice, diversity, and inclusion can be implemented within Parks and Urban Planning. Three groups of students chose thought leaders who specialized in an area of equity planning and interviewed them on current issues and best practices to achieve equitable and just parks that are inclusive of diverse communities. Check out the premiere season of this podcast to hear six conversations discussing parks and how they increase justice, diversity, inclusion, and equity!