Periodically, Planetizen releases their guide and review of the nation’s planning schools. The thorough evaluation gives prospective students and professionals fabulous and informed insight, all organized to help make a decision. Our friend James Brasuell, stopped by to talk about the guide and reveal their top 10 list and more.  https://www.planetizen.com/topschoolsSupport the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Mayor Mendenhall is a huge fan of good planning. She continues to lead Salt Lake City by engaging in a number of initiatives including major housing reforms, active transportation projects, and air and water quality policies. We had the great privilege to interview Mayor Mendenhall in one of our best discussions to date. Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Homelessness in America continue to vex decision makers and planners. What role has planning had in causing homelessness and how do we address the subject in a meaningful way? Wyatt Schroeder is an expert on the issue and joined us for a compelling discussion that we found educational and thought provoking. Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

The American food system is complex. Growing a tomato in your front yard may actually be illegal while school children may be forced to eat processed foods made thoudans of miles from town. Maggi Adamek breaks down why planning for food is essential to a healthier population and how our current system influences numerous aspects of our health. From drive-thrus to dragonfruit, this episode is unlike any we have done so far. Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Our profession is unlike most and can certainly be a roller coaster ride. Despite some of the many challenges, there are countless ways in which we love what we do. The Commission takes a moment to discuss why and how we love our careers as Planners. This self-reflection episode may be relatable for many and is a reminder of the positive effects planning can have on the lives of every day citizens as well as our own. Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Accomplished journalist Megan Kimble is an unofficial planner. Her work has included many pieces on various aspects of planning including food systems, affordable housing and zoning, as well as transportation. Megan stops by the Commission to chat about her perspectives on our industry and provides highly unique insights. Head to her website to read some of her fabulous articles: https://www.megankimble.com/Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

In many locations across the nation, discussions continue regarding the removal of detrimental urban interstates. In the case of New Orleans native, Amy Stelly, it is time for this to happen. Through her efforts, a section of an elevated freeway bifurcating her childhood neighborhood will soon be demolished bringing back a community of peace, fresh air, and social interaction. Check out her website: https://www.amyfstelly.com/Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Preserving elements of our history all while continuing to address the needs of the future is a tricky endeavor for planners. We don't always get it right but strive to achieve a good balance. The Honorable Sara Bronin is the current Chair of the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation and a professor at Cornell University. Her efforts are helping shed more light on the ways we can ensure we don't forget our past by addressing historic sites, buildings, and more.Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

The Planning Commissioners love people who are direct and honest about what is happening in our industry and to our many communities. Kea Wilson and her Streetsblog USA colleagues have been leaders in this philosophy for many years. We talked with Kea about her writings and those of Streetsblog and covered topics such as the federal transportation bill, electric vehicles, the continuing impacts of highway expansion projects, and what is going on with pedestrian safety in this country.Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Getting Americans to walk more is the mission of America Walks. Mike McGinn is the organization’s  Executive Director and the former Mayor of Seattle. Advocating for the design, funding, and maintenance for our nation’s walking infrastructure all while trying to build a safer overall transportation system, is just part of the mission of America Walks. Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Walking and biking to school should be a common event for America’s kids. But, since 1969, participation rates have plummeted. The National Safe Routes to School Partnership has been working for two decades to reverse the course. Marisa Jones joins us from the Partnership to talk about the organizations ongoing efforts to bring a little more walking and bike riding back into our children’s lives.Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

How many consultants does it take to change a lightbulb? Depends on your budget.We know, we know, consultants can sometimes have a bad wrap. Othertimes however, they can deliver incredible plans, policies, and projects. All three Commissioners are consultants with a wealth of experience to draw from. We explore the topic of consulting in this episdoe, get very personal, and share how the industry can be better, how the public sector can be better, and what consulting really means to us, your Commission. Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Knock knock.....Who's there? Commissioner.Commissioner who?Commissioner who CLEARLY didn't read their packet!!!Nate Hood, Planning & Zoning Commissioner from St Paul Minnesota joins the show to talk about what makes for a good session, a good staff report, and solid public testimony. Sidenote, Nate is an aspiring stand-up comedian as well and certainly has a way of making his point. This is a fun and informative episode for those wanting to better understand the ins and outs of a public hearing. Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

"Red Lines, People of Color, and White Flight." We take a serious dive into Environmental Justice with a national expert Charles T. Brown. Be prepared for an honest a raw discussion on what the planning profession has done and needs to do to improve the lives of all Americans. This compelling interview with special guest Commissioner Tara Crawford is one you'll want to watch, take a few notes, and absorb. For more on Charles and his efforts, check out his website:  https://equitablecities.com/Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

“THOSE people need a place to live too!!!” Affordable housing has been a huge subject in planning circles for the past decade. Shellan Rodriguez is an expert developer of such housing and tells the Commission how planners can help and how they get in the way of such community needs. Rockstars gonna rock and Shellan fits the bill.Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

"Who's Ready For Some Fun?" Placemaking is one way planners instantly create an engaging and interactive location in our communities. What exaclty is placemaking, how does it work, and where has it left its mark? Kelly Verel of Project for Public Spaces stops by to talk all about it. If you wanna learn more, head over to their website and read all about it: https://www.pps.org/Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Next Stop, America's Largest City, is an episode all about the happenings in transit, particularly in the largest geographic city in the nation. What is working, what is not, and how is the world of transit adapting to a post pandemic landscape? Tara Crawford answered those questions and much more in an episode that may have just helped us find our fourth commissioner.Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Plant a tree, save a life. Yes friends, it really is that easy. Geoffrey Donovan sat down with us to talk urban tree canopy. Shade isn't the only thing these magnificent tools of planning do for us. There isn't a single tool in our figurative tool box that does more to benefit our citizens and communities than trees. Don't believe that, well then listen to Mr. Donovan and learn a thing or two. When you're done, read his magnificent research. Check out his extensive list of published research papers here: Geoffrey Donovan | US Forest Service Research and Development (usda.gov)Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com

Holy Cow....Secretary of Transportation Roger Millar who is also the new Chairman of AASHTO, sits down with the Commission to kick off season two. Roger has been a planner in many roles including transportation, community development, and environmental work. His career is fantastic and he has a great sotry to share. This episode was eye opening, heartening, and a whole lotta fun. Check it out. Support the showOur Website: https://theplanningcommissionpodcast.com/YouTube: The Planning Commission Podcast channelInstagram: @theplanningcommissionpodcastFacebook: The Planning Commission Podcast pageTwitter: @planningcommish Subscribe, like, help us make a difference in the profession we all love. Have an episode idea, tell us about it. Email us at: info@theplanningcommissionpodcast.com