American Planning Association

Episode sponsor: Eastern Washington University Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/critical-conversations-in-transportation-planning-wes-marshall-and-trung-vo-aicp/ In this episode, co-hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall were excited to take the podcast show on the road, recording episodes at the 2025 National Planning Conference in Denver. This dispatch of Critical Conversation in Transportation Planning kicks off our safety series and features Wes Marshall, PhD, PE, a professor of civil engineering at the University of Colorado Denver, and Trung Vo, AICP, PE, Denver Office Director, Senior Planner, and Owner at Toole Design. Our speakers highlight how many traffic engineering standards are based on flawed assumptions rather than science, specifically pointing to problems with level of service metrics, automatic traffic growth assumptions, and designing for peak hours rather than community needs. They emphasize the need for courage to tackle arterial roads where most fatalities occur, challenging the reactive approach of waiting for crashes to happen instead of proactively designing safer streets for all users. Relevant Links: ● Death by Design: A New Book from a CU Denver Transportation Expert Rethinks the Science Behind Our Roads ● Killed By a Traffic Engineer, Shattering the Delusion that Science Underlies our Transportation System ● Denver Moves: Safe and Slow Streets with Bikeways ● No More Five-Lane Roads: An Engineer’s Perspective About Wes Marshall: Wes Marshall, PhD, PE, is a professor of civil engineering at the University of Colorado Denver, where he holds a joint appointment in urban planning. He plays a pivotal role as director of the CU Denver Human-Centered Transportation program and the Transportation Research Center at CU Denver. Wes is a licensed Professional Engineer and focuses on transportation teaching and research dedicated to creating safer and more sustainable transportation systems. Wes is the author behind the 2024 book Killed by a Traffic Engineer. He also has more than 80 peer-reviewed journal publications and book chapters to his name and has received millions of dollars in research funding. Wes was the winner of the campus-wide CU Denver Outstanding Faculty in Research Award. He also has a passion for teaching and mentoring students and is the only three-time winner of the CU Denver College of Engineering Outstanding Faculty in Teaching Award. A native of Watertown, Massachusetts, Wes is a graduate of the University of Virginia (BS) and the University of Connecticut (MS and PhD). He is a recipient of the Eisenhower Transportation Fellowship, Australia’s Endeavour Fellowship, and the Transportation Research Board’s Wootan Award for the outstanding paper in policy and organization. About Trung Vo: Trung serves as a Senior Planner and our Denver Office Director. In his work, he leverages his certification as a planner, licensure as a Professional Engineer, and experience in both the public and private sectors to help communities become safer, more connected, and more resilient. Trung specializes in multimodal planning and design, public engagement, and design guidance. Outside of the office, Trung enjoys photography, bicycling, snowboarding, and spending time with his wife and two sons.

What does being an introvert in a profession centered on community and collaboration mean? For Katelynn Morgenstern, AICP, Director of Planning and Zoning in Kennett Township, Pennsylvania, navigating networking and building a brand used to feel daunting—until she discovered the power of social media to build authentic connections, explore planning passions beyond her day job, and grow her confidence. Through her online persona @CityPlannerKate, Katelynn cultivated a meaningful network that helped her engage in person with more ease, while exploring under-addressed topics like equity and hostile architecture. On this episode of People Behind the Plans, APA Editor in Chief Meghan Stromberg sits down with Kate at the NPC25 in Denver to talk about her journey from overwhelmed first-time conference attendee to confident speaker and thought leader. They explore how social media can be a powerful tool for introverted planners, why authenticity matters more than algorithm hacks, and how to stay connected while protecting your well-being. Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/katelynn-morgenstern-aicp-on-planning-social-media-and-finding-your-voice-as-an-introvert/

In this episode of the Trend Talk series, a companion podcast for APA's 2025 Trend Report for Planners, Joe DeAngelis, AICP, research manager at the American Planning Association, chats with author and urban planning professor Justin Hollander, FAICP. Listen as they examine the potential for human settlements on the Moon and Mars, and discover the unique challenges and ethical questions that come with planning cities beyond Earth. Hollander also shares insights from his book, First City on Mars: An Urban Planner's Guide to Settling the Red Planet, discussing the opportunities for planners in the expanding space industry and the lessons we can learn for urban development back on our home planet. Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/the-role-of-planners-in-space-exploration-with-justin-hollander-faicp/

In this special NPC25 episode of the APA podcast, APA President Sue Schwartz, FAICP, interviews keynote speaker Dr. Mary Beth Janke about her experiences and insights on advancing wellness and building resilience. Dr. Mary Beth, who has over 30 years of experience in psychology, security, and investigative work, shares her thoughts on setting and achieving personal goals, including her experiences delivering a TED Talk, authoring books, and serving as a Special Agent in the U.S. Secret Service. The discussion also touches on the importance of continuously evolving and striving to live a fulfilling life. Listeners can hear more from Dr. Mary Beth at NPC25 in Denver. Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/planning-for-wellness-and-personal-resilience-with-dr-mary-beth-janke/

In this episode of the Trend Talk series, a companion podcast for APA's 2025 Trend Report for Planners, Joe DeAngelis, AICP, research manager at the American Planning Association, chats with recent graduate and current transportation planner, Beneeta Mary Jose. The two explore the latest trends in micromobility, electrification, and the essential balance between proactive and reactive planning. Beneeta also shares her thoughts on how young professionals are shaping the transportation landscape, the importance of including children's perspectives, and the visionary future of an integrated, sustainable, and human-centric transportation network. Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/the-future-of-transportation-with-beneeta-mary-jose/

In this episode of the APA podcast, host Dina Walters is joined by David Salazar, FAICP, and Annette Koh to discuss an initiative in Long Beach, California, that is looking to pave the way for future urban planners. Through engaging youth in high schools and teen centers, the program introduces students to the world of urban planning, providing them with tools and knowledge to improve their communities. David and Annette discuss the origins of the program, its growth, the partnerships that have made it possible, and the impact it has had on both the students and the city. Learn how this innovative program is creating a pipeline for future planning professionals and fostering the next generation of community leaders. This episode is sponsored by: University of Michigan Engineering Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/empowering-youth-and-the-urban-planning-pipeline-with-annette-koh-and-david-salazar-faicp/

In this special NPC25 episode of the APA podcast, host Michael Brown, AICP, conference committee chair for NPC25, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Leah Rothstein. Leah is co-author along with her father, Richard Rothstein, on the book Just Action, and has specialized in community development and affordable housing policy, practice, and finance throughout her career. Leah delves into the challenges in addressing critical issues surrounding race, housing, and community equity, emphasizing the importance of building relationships, engaging in service, and finding purpose. As a keynote speaker at the 2025 National Planning Conference (NPC 25), Leah offers a sneak peek into her upcoming talk and highlights the significance of local action in advancing equity and making a positive impact on your community. This episode is sponsored by AARP Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/building-community-and-purpose-leah-rothstein-on-just-action/

Sacramento, California, is at the forefront of zoning reform, tackling some of the biggest challenges in housing supply and affordability. Tom Pace, the city’s director of community development, shares how the city has embraced policies to remove barriers to housing production, modernize outdated regulations, and promote sustainable growth. And, he offers ideas for how other places can approach zoning reform to build more equitable and livable communities. In this episode of People Behind the Plans, Pace shares insights on the city’s ambitious approach to infill and transit-oriented housing, as well as how to eliminate parking requirements and simplify the approval process for new developments. He also reflects on the evolution of Sacramento’s General Plan and how planners can balance community engagement with bold policy changes. Tune in for an in-depth discussion on the power of planning to shape more accessible and vibrant cities. Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/tom-pace-on-zoning-reform-and-housing-innovation-in-sacramento/

In this episode of Critical Conversations in Transportation Planning, hosts Divya Gandhi and Em Hall interview Jacky Grimshaw and Nina Idemudia, AICP, from the Center for Neighborhood Technology (CNT) in Chicago. They discuss the evolution of transportation planning, the importance of community engagement, and the emergence of millennial leadership in the planning profession. Jacky shares her extensive experience in advocating for citizen participation in transportation planning, while Nina reflects on her journey from growing up in Detroit to serving as CNT's CEO, and emphasizes the need for planners to address structural inequities. Together, they highlight CNT's innovative approaches and ongoing efforts to create equitable and sustainable urban environments. Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/critical-conversations-in-transportation-planning-cnt-nina-idamudia-aicp-and-jacky-grimshaw/

In this episode of the Trend Talk series, a companion podcast for APA's 2025 Trend Report for Planners, Joe DeAngelis, AICP, Research Manager at the American Planning Association, chats with APA President, Sue Schwartz, FAICP. The two discuss the evolving landscape of public sector planning and delve into current hiring challenges, the impact of political polarization on community engagement, and the importance of personal resiliency for planners. Sue shares insights on managing technological changes, balancing remote and in-office work, and preparing for future trends in the profession. Join us for an enlightening conversation on the crucial role of planners in shaping resilient and equitable communities. Episode URL: https://planning.org/podcast/the-future-of-public-sector-planning-with-apa-president-sue-schwartz-faicp/