Four Degrees to the Streets is designed to empower anyone curious about places and spaces, not just persons with professional degrees or backgrounds. Here we will cover a host of topics, including transportation, health, housing, and the environment, through the lens of racism, classism, and sexism and give listeners the tools they need to overcome institutional barriers. Please rate and leave a review! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod. Or connect with us over email at fourdegreestothestreetspod@gmail.com. Tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Views and opinions are our own.
The Four Degrees to the Streets podcast offers an eye-opening and thoughtful perspective on community planning, exploring a range of factors that impact people's lives. This podcast is highly recommended for anyone looking to make a positive impact in their community, regardless of their profession or background. Whether you're a teacher, political activist, or from another field entirely, this podcast is sure to provide informative content.
One of the best aspects of The Four Degrees to the Streets podcast is its ability to delve into the intricate details of planning and urbanism while keeping the conversation engaging and accessible. The hosts, Jasmine and Nimotalai, have a wealth of knowledge and expertise that shines through in each episode. They cover a wide range of topics, including the history of racism and planning in the US, and ask thought-provoking questions that encourage reflection.
Furthermore, this podcast does an excellent job challenging white-centric planning practices that dominate in the United States. By providing alternative perspectives and questioning established norms, The Four Degrees to the Streets offers a refreshing take on planning and urbanism. The hosts' perspectives are not only insightful but also useful for those involved in planning work themselves.
However, one potential downside of this podcast is that it may not appeal to everyone due to its specific focus on community planning and urbanism. If you are not interested in these topics or do not work within these fields, you may find some episodes less relevant or engaging. Nevertheless, for those with an interest in social justice and community development, this podcast provides valuable insights.
In conclusion, The Four Degrees to the Streets podcast is a must-listen for anyone looking to expand their understanding of community planning and urbanism from a social justice perspective. With knowledgeable hosts who ask critical questions and challenge existing paradigms within planning practice, this podcast offers fresh insights into creating inclusive communities. Tune in if you're seeking informative content presented in an engaging manner!
“Tell me your zip code, and I'll tell you your life expectancy” famously stated by Dr. Anthony Iton of University of California - Berkeley to describe the dynamic relationship between race, class, neighborhood design, and public health. This episode is about just Environmental Justice - defined in community organizing as “the right of all people to live, work, and play in a clean and healthy environment, regardless of race, class, gender, or geography”. The host of the Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast, Jasmine, is joined by Brittany Simmons, better known as @signedbritt to her 70,000+ followers on social media, to discuss environmental justice (injustice). Brittany is an urban planning professional with a content creation platform on Instagram, TikTok, and Substack. This episode is one of a 26-part series titled “The Planning Alphabet” on the for the city girls Substack website. In the episode the host and special guest discuss zip code 48217 in Detroit, known as Michigan's most polluted zip code. In which the neighborhood's predominantly Black residents have been in a decades-long fight with the adjacent oil refinery company over air pollution and related asthma, cancer, and mental health issues. The Flint Michigan Water Crisis, Cancer Alley in Louisiana, and the Cross-Bronx Expressway are a handful of examples of environmental injustice in the United States. These are cases of air, water, and soil pollution that result from policy decisions and disproportionately impact minority and low-income communities negatively. In the episode, the host and special guest Brittany Simmons discuss the evolution of environmental justice from smoke-stacks and waste dumping to highways and food deserts as well as the implications of environmental quality on human health outcomes. Brittany Simmons Bio:Brittany Simmons is a Detroit-based urban planner and storyteller who leads place-based, community-driven strategies to create more livable and equitable, vibrant cities. With experience in both New York City and Detroit, she brings a creative, interdisciplinary lens to urban planning, rooted in a deep understanding of people, place, and culture. Brittany's expertise in community engagement ensures that local voices are centered at every stage of planning and development. Beyond her professional practice, she is also a content creator who shares insights on urban planning and city life, making the field more accessible and inspiring new conversations about the future of our cities. Share this episode with a friend who cares about their neighborhood! Thank you for listening to The Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast! Follow us on Instagram @the4degreespod and send us an email at fourdegreestothestreetspod@gmail.com.Connect with Brittany on Instagram and TikTok @signedbritt and subscribe to the for the city girls Substack here.
Think of your favorite debate show like First Take or Inside the NBA on TNT and replace sports with urban planning. That is what you can expect in this episode. The host, Jasmine, sits down with one of her best friends and fellow urban planner, Jonathan Braun, to discuss the housing affordability crisis, equitable access to public transportation, commonly ignored problems with electric vehicles, and so much more. Jonathan Braun is a senior consultant in urban planning working on transportation, land use, and environmental projects across the United States. Jonathan was born in Manhattan and raised in the New York City-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ-PA metropolitan statistical area before spending formative years in rural Iowa. In the episode he shares how these places shaped his opinions on the built environment.This episode is the result of a six year friendship in urban planning. The Friends in Urban Planning episode is two friends going back and forth (like an Aaliyah record) about the issues of cities with a trained eye. The conversation at times is serious as we discuss the public health risks of transportation and at times straight hilarious when Jonathan shares his Washington, D.C theft story. Share this episode with a friend who cares about their neighborhood! Thank you for listening to The Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast! Follow us on Instagram@the4degreespod and send us an email at fourdegreestothestreetspod@gmail.com.
If you had to describe the first three months of 2025 in one word, what would you say? For me, the first quarter of 2025 was bananas!! This episode is the 1st of quarterly bonus episodes summarizing all things city planning that happened in the previous 90 days. In addition to our regularly scheduled programming, our monthly episodes, these four times a year quarterly episodes take a broader view at the goings-on (things happening) across the U.S and sometimes internationally at the intersection of urban planning x community development. Q1 2025 Review in Urban Planning starts in January with Donald Trump taking the U.S Presidential/Executive office, the host: Jasmine and hundreds of thousands of people in Los Angeles having to evacuate their homes because of wildfires, and wraps up in March with a coast to coast run down of the hottest real estate deals. Listen to this episode to hear takes on: Donald Trump's first 90ish days as the 47th President of the United States How the host: Jasmine navigated the historic Los Angeles Wildfires Consequences and opportunities for cities with Forever 21 bankruptcy and store closings Hot List of Real Estate Deals: Hudson Yards (New York, NY), Poplar Point Redevelopment (Washington, D.C), office-to-residential construction (Los Angeles, CA)References:Greater Los Angeles Wildfires - January 2025Forever 21's Bankruptcy Could Be a Win for Mall Owners Mayor Bowser Announces Selection of Therme Group's Inclusive Health and Wellbeing Destination for Poplar PointTherme Group About NYC Community BoardsHudson Yards casino proposal by Related and Wynn Resorts rejected by Manhattan Community Board 4Jamison Starts Mixed-Use Conversion
The Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast interviews Desiree “Dee” Powell about the Black Planner Collective, Do Right By The Streets Urban Planning, South Dallas Food Park, Implementing vs. Planning for community development, and her takes on urban planning issues and trends.Dee, as she is affectionately known to her thousands of social media followers, is founder of Do Right By the Streets Urban Planning, an urban planning and space curation firm. But the organization is not your typical consulting service, Do Right By the Streets is “working to embed ourselves into communities/neighborhoods as lifelong residents and friends”. Dee shares her experience working in City Hall and talks about the dichotomy of growing up in rural Louisiana and the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex.Thank you for listening to The Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast! Follow us on Instagram @the4degreespod and send us an email at fourdegreestothestreetspod@gmail.com.Share these insights from this month's episode with friends and family:1. Community and resident independence and empowerment as one of the most useful outcomes of urban planning / policy implementation.2. Experience as a municipal or city planner (ex: Planning Assistant, Planner I, Planner II, Senior Planner) provides valuable technical, policy, communication, and legal skills.Get in contact with our guest, Desiree “Dee” Powell: Email: desiree@drbtsurbanplanning.com, IG: @thedee_p OR @sunnysouthdallasfoodparkWebsite: www.drbtsurbanplanning.com and www.prolificpl4ces.org
New York City is the largest city in the United States, greater than the next largest (Los Angeles) by roughly 5 million people, it is also the 13th largest city in the world. The New York Metropolitan area or the Tri-State area (NJ, NY, CT) contain 7% of the U.S population and contribute 12% to the national GDP (gross domestic product). The region is home to millions of people and jobs, cultural and historic resources, environmental treasures, international ports, and so much more, all thriving off of the city's 24 hour + 7 day a week subway system. However, that system, including the actual mechanics and infrastructure (cables, switches, train cars, etc.), stations and platforms, and access points are all in need of improvement and modernization. In January 2025, the City of New York launched its congestion tolling or congestion pricing system to disincentivize driving in one of the world's most gridlocked areas - Midtown Manhattan and to finance the much needed capital repairs along the city's transit system. Join the host of the Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast in conversation with Tiffany-Ann Taylor, Vice President of Transportation for the Regional Plan Association, the region's oldest and premier urban planning research and advocacy organization dating back to 1922, as we discuss the impact of congestion pricing and the opportunities/challenges facing the New York Tri-State area for the years to come. Share theses insights from the episode: Congestion pricing revenue is forecasted to generate $1B annually and is designated for MTA capital improvements. New York City is the first city in the United States to implement a congestion pricing network, inspiring many North American cities including Toronto, Canada and Los Angeles, California to consider congestion tolling of their own. The New York City metropolitan area struggles with the compounding challenge of an old system, with many parts of the system 100+ years old, and the impacts of climate change that cause freezing, flooding, and overheating of various parts of the transit system. Note: This episode was recorded in November 2024 prior to the tolling starting in January 2025 and prior to President Trump proposed changes to the program. Read the Regional Plan Association Press Release here: RPA Statement on Trump Administration Plan to Revoke Congestion Pricing Links: Contact RPA RPA.org / @regionplan on X / @regional_plan on Instagram Follow the Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast on Instagram @the4degreespod
The United States government spends more than $600 billion on goods and services sourced from third-party suppliers. As the largest consumer in the world, the U.S government issues thousands of contracts to companies. With that opportunity comes the responsibility to distribute contract dollars equitably, across a wide range of business classifications and avoid providing an advantage to one type of business. Supplier diversity involves the policies, procedures, and programs that support equitable inclusion of small and/or diverse organizations in access and receipt of vendor contracts. In this episode, the host of the Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast sit down with diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) strategist Jaime Coleman to advise small business on how to bid for a government contract and to examine how governments are performing on their equity in procurement/supplier diversity goals. Jaime Coleman most recently served as the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Strategist for a midsize city in North Carolina. As a one-person department, Jaime ideated and led all internal DEI learning & development and its corresponding compliance, reviewed and revised policies, engaged with stakeholders to establish trust with the municipality, represented the organization at various community and cultural events, and facilitated relationships between internal departments and historically underutilized businesses (HUB).Jaime's career started in Higher Education. Priding herself on being well-read and well-researched, Jaime believes that knowledge, open-mindedness, and understanding are essential tools to address many social ills. With years of experience as an Adjunct, she uses her facilitation skills to deliver interactive workshops that create openness, and equip and inspire the audience to take meaningful action. Jaime is a passionate advocate for people. She understands the importance of internal culture and its impact on external constituents.Personally, Jaime cherishes time with her husband and children. Jaime is an avid reader, a certified trauma-informed yoga instructor, and a seasoned traveler. Jaime earned her MBA from Georgetown University, holds a Master's from NYU, and her Bachelor's is from Rutgers University. Jaime appreciates invitations to contribute and promises to deliver.Share these insights from this episode: The United States federal government has procurement targets for each business classification for every department. The local chamber of commerce, economic development department, small business resource center, and community college are excellent resources for small businesses. Jaime Coleman shares a five-step process for small businesses to earn contracts with local, state, and federal governments. Resources: New Jersey Disparity Study: A Study on the Availability and Utilization of Small, Minority, Women, and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Businesses Massachusetts Performance Audit NC MWBE Coordinators NetworkFAA DBE ProgramEquity in Federal Government...
In 2019 Minneapolis, Minnesota became the 1st city to eliminate single-family zoning. The Minneapolis-Saint Paul region continues to be a leader in urban planning and economic development practices. Yet the region, like others across the U.S, continues to struggle with poverty, unemployment, and housing affordability issues. Join us in a conversation with Minneapolis native and experienced planner: Breanne Rothstein, AICP, founder and CEO of Thrive Consulting on how to improve quality of life by shifting the focus of economic development to investing in people and community. Breanne Rothstein, AICP, is founder and CEO of Thrive Consulting, a firm that seeks to connect communities to the abundance in the economy by creating economic development and housing solutions through policy and programs. Breanne has a distinct passion for communities and strives to help them be welcoming places through meaningful, inclusive community partnerships. She offers over 20 years of experience of community development and organizational development in the public, private, and non-profit sectors. She is a powerful speaker and trainer, and has presented over 50 panels, sessions, and workshops on topics of zoning reform, housing finance, and inclusive economic development strategies.Share these insights from this episode: Traditional economic development practices in local/city governments have focused on growing the tax base and bringing jobs to the neighborhood but these objectives are often missed and not in alignment with the economic and growth needs of residents and small businesses. Small business centers, down-payment assistance programs, talent/industry cultivation, micro-loans (
Heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes are the leading causes of death in the United States. Across the country it is easier for a family to get a variety of fast junk food than it is to get fresh vegetables and protiens. Food deserts are defined by the USDA (Department of Agriculture) as a low income community more than 1 mile from a grocery store or supermarket, there are 45 million Americans of all backgrounds living in food desert communities. Some are doubly hurt by also living in an area with a lot of liquor stores, tobacco shops, and fast food brands known as ‘food swamps'. Download the episode to learn about the strategies available to solve the food desert problem in urban areas. Share these insights from this episode: Urban farms, transit oriented developments, zoning, and state-tax credits are some strategies applied to solve improve access to quality healthy food 14% of the U.S population, roughly 45 Million people live within a food desert Programs that increase supply of healthy food in food desert neighborhoods report an increase in consumption of fresh foodLinks to resources: USDA Food Desert MapUSDA Research Report: Characteristics and Influential Factors of Food DesertsThe Social-Ecological Model of HealthFood Swamps Predict Obesity Rates Better Than Food Deserts in the United StatesLyft Up Grocery AccessBrookings Institution Research: Delivering to deserts: New data reveals the geography of digital access to food in the U.S.New Jersey Healthy Corner Store ProgramTruman Olsen Redevelopment Safe Routes to Healthy FoodMARTA Fresh MarketsColumbia Heights Restoring a Historic NeighborhoodNew Jersey Food Desert Relief Supermarket Tax Credit ProgramNew York State Food Retail Expansion to Support Health
Thank you to all of our listeners for a great season 4! In this bonus episode, Nimo and Jas recap the season, memorable moments, special guests, and our accomplishments over the last four years. We've reached over 10,000 total downloads, 27 countries, and over 6,000 unique listeners. The Podcast will be back with new episodes for season 5 in Fall 2024.News for next season: Nimo will be taking a break. However, Jas will continue to host Season 5. Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!
It's difficult to argue Tyler Perry's influence in the entertainment industry and Black media. Twenty-four feature films, 20 stage plays, 17 television shows, and two New York Times bestselling books. In this episode, Nimo and Jas uncover the impact of Tyler Perry Studios (TPS) and the physical footprint implications in Atlanta. TPS opened its 330 acres in 2019 after purchasing land that was the former Fort McPherson military base. Press play to hear: History of Fort McPherson and Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) that led to closing multiple bases across the countryExamples of other military base redevelopments, consistent themes, and community concernsA review of the benefits and consequences of Tyler Perry Studios over the past five years Thank you for a great Season Four! Episodes will return in Fall 2024. Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!ResourcesThe effect of film production studios on housing prices in Atlanta, the Hollywood of the SouthOakland City Fort Mac Fort McPherson Draft Master Plan 2021 Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) Once feared, redevelopment of Myrtle Beach Air Force Base has been resounding successGovernor Murphy and Netflix Announce Plans to Build State-of-the-Art East Coast Production Facility at Fort MonmouthNetflix moving ahead with plan to build N.J. mega studio'Hollywood of the South:' After a decade, industry leaders succeed in making Atlanta a hub for filmmakers of colorTyler Perry on Building an Entertainment Empire in Atlanta - BNN Bloomberg
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 prioritiesKamau's motivation for working in the planning field and local government experienceNavigating the industry as a Black male planner and recommendations for diversifying future generations of planners Planning hot takes in 30 seconds or lessQuestions for Kamau? Send him an email: ksalaam@co.henry.ga.usThank you for listening. Tune in every other Tuesday, when Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!AnnouncementsSmart 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
You may remember our first in-person episode, “Where The Money Reside,” from Season 1. In it, we explained the budgeting process in local governments and briefly mentioned examples of how cities can incorporate equity into the budget process. Today, we're following up with a deeper dive into budget equity as a tool to address historic and present inequalities throughout programs and plans that lead to effective change and implementation. PolicyLink's Equity Manifesto defines equity as just and fair inclusion into a society in which all can participate, prosper, and reach their full potential. Press play to hear:An overview of budget equity best practices and how to use itExplanations of how six cities across the country used a budget equity tool: Dallas, Seattle, Nashville, Tacoma, Portland, New York CityThank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!Where to find us this month:March 14: Women Entrepreneurs in Urban Planning - Zoom (American Planning Association Women and Planning Division)March 28: Smart Growth America Equity Summit - In-PersonResources:Where The Money Reside (S1E8): Apple, Spotify, YouTube, Instagram VisualsLos Angeles Budget Review: How-to videoThe Equity Manifesto | PolicyLinkDallas: Big Audacious GoalsDallas Equity Indicators ReportDallas Racial Equity Plan Dallas 2022-2023 Budget
Happy Black History Month! This week, we have a special guest, Ross Murph, aka MORFBOSS, a professional genealogist born in New York with Southern roots. He uses his research to uplift people and uncover overlooked parts of history. Ross shares examples from Los Angeles, CA, and Washington, DC, to tell the history of Black and Latino land loss. According to the American Bar Association, as an example, by 1997, Black farmers lost more than 90 percent of the 16 million acres they owned in 1910. This massive decline was possible through white privilege, power, and influence with local government officials to exploit laws. This presents itself in urban planning and real estate through government misuse of eminent domain, compensation below market value, discriminatory tax assessments, and coordinated discrimination. Press play to hear: Nimo & Jas share personal stories of ancestry and land ownership Arlington Freedman's Village (now Arlington National Cemetery) and its history of slavery and emancipationLand loss related to Pio Pico, the last governor of Alta California under Mexican ruleLearn more from Ross and follow him @morfboss on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram.Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!ResourcesProperty Rights: The Neglected Theme of 20th-Century American PlanningProperty Rights in American History - Hillsdale CollegeKnow Your Price: Valuing Black Lives and Property in America's Black Cities (Book)Taking on State Law in Defense of Family Farms - The Piedmont Environmental CouncilFreedman's Village - Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)Whose Land? Claims at Arlington Estate - Arlington House, The Robert E. Lee Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)John Bryce Syphax Freedman's Village
The podcast often discusses how human activity and policies impact the natural and built environment. In today's episode, Nimo and Jas share vital tools and resources to help you understand the environmental condition of your community and how to use the tools to make decisions in your personal life. The United States Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, is the source for most of the tools below. EPA's mission is to protect human health and the environment by ensuring clean air, land, and water with federal regulations. Press play to hear: Walk Score: An online tool that allows you to determine the pedestrian, biker, and transit user accessibility of a location.EPA Greenhouse Gas Emissions Calculator: Helps you calculate your home or small business carbon footprint and identify ways to reduce it.CoolClimate Maps: An analysis of household carbon profiles for each zip code, city, county, and state.EPA Environmental Justice (EJ) Screen: A mapping tool that helps identify areas where residents may be disproportionately affected by environmental pollution.EPA How's My Waterway?: Interactive data/mapping about the condition of local waters based on federal, state, and local government reportingThank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!ResourcesWalk ScoreEJScreen ToolWhat is EJScreen? | US EPACarbon Footprint Calculator | Climate Change | US EPASimplified GHG Emissions Calculator | US EPACoolClimate Maps
The Beyoncé Renaissance World Tour was more than ticket sales, metallic outfits, horses in outer space, and a showcase of a timeless album. In this special in-person episode, Nimo and Jas discuss the tour's impact on urban planning and local economies. The Renaissance World Tour influenced ten countries, with 56 shows in total. As the highest-grossing tour for any female artist and the highest ever of any artist per show, averaging $10.3 million per show. The New York Times estimated the tour generated $4.5 billion dollars for the US economy. As our listeners know, places and spaces don't come together without resources. Press play to hear: A closer look at a few cities and their transportation plans for the concert, including Santa Clara, DC, and Houston, to accommodate the influx of visitorsThe importance of addressing urban design and providing safe and equitable transit options for all riders during eventsAn Urban Planning Renaissance: Recommendations for planners and policymakers based on the economic impact of Beyoncé's concerts on local economies and the direction of the field in 2024You can watch this full episode on our YouTube channel. Be sure to subscribe! Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!Resources:Beyoncé's Renaissance World Tour Has 'Inconsistent' Hotel Impact From Market to MarketHotel performance standouts during Beyonce's world tour | STR Beyoncé's "Renaissance World Tour" nears Olympic success with its multibillion-dollar impact on the US economy Beyonce at Levi's Stadium: VTA, BART, Caltrain to have extra service - CBS San FranciscoMetrorail Ridership Summary | WMATAWho Rides Public TransportationTransit Score MethodologyThe Beyoncé Bump
How old were you when you discovered urban planning? Maybe it was listening to our podcast, attending a community meeting for a proposed development change, or a class you took in school. In today's episode, Nimo and Jas interview Mr. Kevin Miles, a dynamic teacher and DEI facilitator based in Dallas, Texas. By using the Urban Land Institute's UrbanPlan curriculum, press play to hear how he cultivated a five-year education path for 8th-12th grade students at Dallas Townview School of Business and Management.Mr. Miles's lifelong mission is to establish a National Career and Technology Student Leadership Organization (CTSO) and a “feeder pattern” of skilled and diverse Student Leaders to positively impact the future of the built environment that includes the cultural needs of a place, rather than an outdated pipeline model.In addition to teaching, Mr. Miles serves as the Director of External Relations for Townview School of Business and Management. He is also Chair of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) Dallas Fort Worth Pathways to Inclusion (PTI) Committee and works closely with National ULI's DEI team to help promote and develop PTI and BIPOC members.Questions for Kevin Miles? Send him an email at epicc2030@gmail.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.To volunteer or add UrbanPlan to your school, contact urbanplan@uli.org.Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!
Happy New Year! In this special joint episode, the Four Degrees to the Streets and Urban Planning is Not Boring podcasts come together to discuss Transit-Oriented Development (TOD). Hosts Nimo, Jas, Sam, and Nat use their expertise and experience living in TODs as a backdrop to give a coast-to-coast perspective on this complex subject. Press play to hear:TOD defined as a mixed-use community that encourages people to live near transit services and decrease their dependence on driving and its key components and historyExamples of TOD programs including BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit), NJ Transit, the City of Chicago's ETOD (equitable transit-oriented development) plan, and the Federal Transit Administration TOD Pilot ProgramConsiderations for the future of TOD Learn more about Urban Planning is Not Boring, the podcast that explores the fascinating world of urban planning, at urbanplanningisnotboring.squarespace.com and follow on social media @urbanplanningisnotboring.Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!ResourcesHistories of Transit-Oriented Development: Perspectives on the Development of the TOD ConceptBART TOD Millbrae BART TODElevated ChicagoETOD | Equitable Transit-Oriented DevelopmentPennrose Gives Back to Veterans Through HousingDover officials open new 70-unit affordable family and veterans housing in downtownFTA FY 2023 Competitive Funding Opportunity: Pilot Program for Transit-Oriented DevelopmentTOD Planning Study (2015-2021) Projects
In this episode of the Four Degrees to the Streets podcast, hosts Nimo and Jas interview Natasha Dowell, a Loan Officer at a Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) located in the Southeast US. Natasha has over a decade of public health experience and is passionate about bringing to life community development projects that advance health equity. Her public health experience covers a wide range including behavioral health, nutritional and physical fitness, maternal and child health, and foodborne outbreaks. Natasha brings her planning and public health training as a lender for a variety of projects, including charter schools and affordable housing developments.Press play to hear:Natasha's background and career path as well as what community development means to her and why it is critical for Black people in the USThe intersection of public health and the planned + built environment that results in increased access or lack of opportunitiesThe lifecycle of a CDFI project and how an organization makes final decisions. She also shares her hot takes on the biggest problems facing cities and potential solutionsThis episode provides valuable insights into community development and the role of CDFIs in urban planning. Natasha's experience and expertise make this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in community development and urban planning. Feel free to visit the CDFI 101 Toolkit to learn more about the industry.Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!ResourcesRobert Wood Johnson Foundation | What makes a long life?
Hello, and welcome back to the fourth season of the Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast! We are truly grateful for your support since 2020, and we're excited to bring you something truly special this season. In today's episode, what if we told you that technology might not be solely to blame for why kids don't play outside anymore? What if we said that the physical design of our roadways, parks, and neighborhoods could have a bigger impact on children's safety and access to outdoor play? Press play to hear:Eye-opening statistics on Child Pedestrian safety and Park AccessExamples of best practices for planning with youth in mindWe'll also take a closer look at how educational systems impact student travel and safetyWe believe that this is a conversation that needs to be had, and we invite you to join us. Listen to learn more about this crucial issue and help be part of the solutions that can make a real difference for children.Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!Resources:Park access among school-age youth in the United StatesFor 30 Years, This Grown-Up's Office Was the Playground - The New York TimesUnderstanding child-friendly urban design: A framework to measure Playful Learning Landscapes outcomes | BrookingsLearning Landscapes: Can urban planning and the learning sciences work together to help children? | BrookingsAll Children are Pedestrians! Prevention Tips and Recent StatisticsAmerican Academy of Pediatrics Lays Out Steps for Improving Child Pedestrian SafetyNational Highway Traffic Safety Administration | 2021 Data - PedestriansThe Road to School | Urban Institute
Season Four is almost here! In the meantime, we have a special interview to share. This July, Veronica O. Davis, PE, transportation expert and Director of Transportation and Drainage Operations for Houston, Texas*, released her book, Inclusive Transportation: A Manifesto for Repairing Divided Communities. Nimo and Jas had the pleasure of speaking with Veronica Davis about her inspiration for the book, questions from our reading, and reflections on her career journey in fields that lack Black women representation.Veronica is an accomplished transportation planner with almost 20 years of experience. She co-founded Black Women Bike and was recognized as a Champion of Change by the White House in 2012 for her professional accomplishments and advocacy.We highly recommend Veronica's book Inclusive Transportation, if you want to learn more about how to improve transportation in your community. You can find it at https://islandpress.org. Additionally, be sure to follow Veronica on X at @VeronicaODavis to stay updated on her work and advocacy efforts. *Inclusive Transportation represents the author's opinions and does not necessarily represent those of the City of Houston.Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on X and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!
Boy, we had a time this season! And just like that, we're on our last episode of season three. We got to catch up with Nina Idemudia, AICP, before she presented several sessions at the American Planning Association (APA) National Planning Conference that took place April 1-4, 2023. Nina inspired Nimo and Jas in their planning careers long before this episode. She currently serves as the Chicago Recovery Plan Director for the City of Chicago's Department of Planning and Development. She started her career as a planner for the City of Los Angeles with a purpose and passion for how the built environment impacts communities. In addition to multiple awards from APA, Nina was recently elected the first Black President of the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association. She is also a board member of the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. Press play to hear: Reflections on Nina's career journey and education experience, and local planning differences by region Lessons Learned from COVID-19 Recovery and resilience planningPlanning “hot takes” in 45 seconds or lessYou can learn from the Chicago Recovery Plan Team at the virtual APA conference on April 27, presenting on using American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for equitable outcomes. Follow Nina on IG @aplannerwithapurpose.Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!
Earlier this month, we met with a special guest and Professional Planner, Byron Nicholas, to discuss the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, regional planning, and the Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP). We discussed MPOs and USDOT funding. However, we want to dive deeper to give an overview of federal transportation authorizations and why they matter in BIL and environmental planning. BIL is the most recent federal transportation authorization and the largest in history, so it's only right that we hit you with another one. Press play to hear: An extra raspy Jas (she was losing her voice!)History and impact of federal transportation authorizations over the last 20 yearsHow MPOs work with partner agencies to consider the environmental impacts of transportation projects and long-range plans and how BIL adds to this effortHighlights and hot takes of several first-round RCP awardeesThank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!RESOURCESFederal Transportation Authorizations | FHWA Environmental Mitigation in Transportation Planning | FHWAEnvironmental Justice Considerations in Regional PlanningThe StitchFederal funding to reconnect Claiborne approved — but a fraction of what city, state sought | WWNOBiden-Harris Administration Announces First-Ever Awards from Program to Reconnect Communities Reconnecting Communities FY22 Award Fact SheetsBipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Maps Dashboard | D2DTransportation For America The infrastructure law is not climate legislation, but states could make it greenMAP-21 vs. FAST Act Comparison Chart
One of President Biden's top priorities was to build better infrastructure. To start, he signed the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law on November 15, 2021, that allocated funding to over 350 distinct programs across more than a dozen federal departments and agencies. One may wonder how this historic $1.2 trillion investment in roads and bridges, broadband, rail and transit, clean energy, and water will look when it appears at their doorstep. We sat down with Byron Nicholas, PP, AICP, based in New Jersey. An expert in multi-modal planning, policy, funding, and design at the regional and municipal levels to understand how the federal government is using funding programs to rectify issues that have harmed communities of color by creating barriers to neighborhood connectivity, mobility, and access. Press play to hear: An overview of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) and the role of regional transportation planningAn analysis of USDOT's Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program (RCP) to remove, retrofit, or mitigate transportation facilities like highways or rail lines to improve quality of life Reflections on BIL after the first year of investments Connect with Byron on social media at @blackandurban or blackandurban.com, an accessible platform for planners and forward thinkers to showcase ideas.Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!RESOURCESGuidebook to the Bipartisan Infrastructure LawWhat Is Regional Planning? | Planetizen PlanopediaNational Association of Regional CouncilsBiden-Harris Administration Announces First-Ever Awards from Program to Reconnect Communities Reconnecting Communities FY22 Award Fact SheetsLord Cultural ResourcesBronx One Policy GroupWhat It Looks Like to Reconnect Black Communities Torn Apart by HighwaysBipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) Maps Dashboard | D2D
Thank you to all of our listeners for a powerful Black History Month focused on health and wellness. We've enjoyed sharing health-related content and meaningful conversations with guests. This episode is no different. We're joined by Alicia “ACE” Easter, certified yoga and meditation instructor and master Reiki practitioner. ACE also hosts the JOY FOR LIFE Podcast that covers self-discovery, loss, motherhood, mindfulness, body acceptance, and the extraordinary power of yoga. Press play to hear: The inspiration for ACE YOGA LA and how ACE embodies her truth and joy as Owner/Founder of ACE Enterprises LLC, a holistic wellness brandWhat it means to bring your authentic self to the yoga industry that is not traditionally welcoming or accessible to Black communitiesThe impacts of stress and trauma on the mind and body and how increased allostatic load reduces the quality of life for Black people in the United State!! Listeners receive a discount on all ACE YOGA LA products when you use the CODE: FOURDEGREES10 at checkout. !! Follow ACE on social media @aceyogala. If you're in the Los Angeles Area, book a class with ACE at White Heat Yoga or Kinship Yoga.Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!
Happy Black History Month! Places and spaces that are accessible for people to be physically active directly impact health, wellness, and quality of life, as discussed in our last episode, where we used the Atlanta Beltline as a case study. This week, the hosts are joined by the founders of Free Flo Fit, Shontia Walton and Adaeze Medani, a non-profit organization making health and fitness more affordable, inclusive, and accessible for the minority community. Based in Seattle, WA, Shontia and Adaeze share their expertise on fitness and physical fitness challenges in public spaces for Black residents. Press play to hear: A breakdown of health data on the leading cause of death by race The story of how Free Flo Fit became an organization and its impact on the communityReflections from Free Flo Fit founders and hosts on the “why” behind their fitness journeyThank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!RESOURCESLeading Causes of Death, Males and Females - Health Equity - CDCAdult Physical Inactivity Prevalence Maps by Race/Ethnicity | CDCEquitable and Inclusive Access | Active People, Healthy Nation | Physical Activity | CDC
The World Health Organization defines health as “a state of complete physical, social and mental well-being, and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.” To kick off our health and wellness theme for Black History Month, Nimo & Jas use the Atlanta Beltline Health Impact Assessment (HIA) as a case study. The primary goals of the Beltline include more parks, trails, transit, and redevelopment. Lack of access to these can lead to adverse health outcomes like obesity, diabetes, heart disease, and other physical, mental, and social health challenges. How is the Beltline impacting health and economic equity in the Atlanta area, and what does that say about how Black residents access public spaces that promote a healthy lifestyle? And the policies and practices that mold these experiences. Press play to hear: An overview of the health impact assessment tool and the steps to complete it Discussion on the goals and policies of the Atlanta Beltline and HIA findingsStatus and impact of the Beltline present-day, with an emphasis on affordable housing Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!RESOURCESBeltline Health Impact AssessmentHealth Impact Assessment | The Pew Charitable TrustsAtlanta BeltLine Design and Construction Updates: August 2021 // Atlanta BeltlineAtlanta BeltLine Investment Data ExplorerSustainable for Whom? Green Urban Development, Environmental Gentrification, and the Atlanta BeltlineLongtime Beltline residents should act fast to get property tax break - Atlanta Civic Circle
Last season, we released an episode about how to make community engagement work for you. This week, Nimo and Jas had the opportunity to sit down with Julia (she/her), a Seattle-based community planner, to discuss the research question that she answered in a year-long project in the thick of the COVID-19 pandemic: how block parties can be used as an empowerment tool to positively affect civic engagement for the Black community? Press play to hear: Reflections on the current state of local community engagement with Black residents Resources for planners to use when acknowledging historical mistrust of urban planning in Black neighborhoods, specifically The BlackSpace ManifestoTo connect with Julia and learn more about the Bl*ck Empowerment Party, connect with her on LinkedIn!Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!RESOURCESBl*ck Empowerment Party Re-Envisioning ZineYouTube: Bl*ck Empowerment Party: Reimagining Outreach & Engagement Best PracticesThe BlackSpace Manifesto
Happy New Year! We hope you all enjoyed the holidays. Welcome to 2023! It's often challenging to define urban planning when there are numerous types and approaches to planning. Although, the approach most likely to succeed includes as many elements as needed. Urban planning in local government is usually centered around a document known as a master plan, a blueprint for the future while examining existing and proposed uses. Press play to hear: An overview of what master planning includesHow can the public get involved, and how can the process better meet community needsThank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!RESOURCESStandard State Zoning Enabling Act and Standard City Planning Enabling ActWhat Are Master Planned Communities? | Planetizen PlanopediaWhat is a master plan?California the California Government Code Title 7 Chapter 3 General Plan Overview | Los Angeles City Planning
The topic of inflation is in the news daily. As the cost of consumer goods increases, this impacts household spending and, more broadly, the cost of living. Location matters when measuring the cost of living because it is subjective, unlike inflation, which measures change over a period of time. In this episode, Nimo and Jas explore what matters most when deciding where to live and how much it costs. Press play to hear:Methodology discussion on RentCafe.com report: The Best Places to Live in for Renters in 2022History and definitions of “cost of living” measurementsNet migration in the last decade and personal experiences in different cities Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!RESOURCESThe Best Places to Live in for Renters in 2022What Does 'Cost of Living' Really Mean and Why Does it Vary By State?Annual Average 2021 Cost of Living Index ReleasedHousing + Transportation Fact SheetsNet Domestic Migration Increased in Many U.S. Counties in 2021The Importance of the Cost of Living and Policies to Address It
Welcome to season three of the Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast! We're excited to be back to continue delivering relatable and informative episodes this year. Make sure to watch this full recording on our YouTube channel. In this episode, Nimo & Jas break down what work, workplaces, and the workforce look like almost three years after the COVID-19 pandemic sent many industries home and out of the traditional office building setting. Press play to hear: A comparison of central business districts before and after 2020, including office occupancy rates.Case studies of cities that experienced population growth and decline.Reflections on long-term changes to downtown areas.Special thanks to WTF Media Studios in Los Angeles, CA. And Creative Producer Jonny Cruz for our Season 3 promotional video. Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets.Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @the4degreespod.Or send us an email to connect with us!RESOURCES:As Remote Work Persists, Cities Struggle to Adapt - The Pew Charitable TrustsWhy Working From Home Will Stick - University of Chicago The Future of Hybrid Work: 5 Key Questions Answered With DataBig Population Shifts in Cities and Towns One Year Into PandemicGeorgetown sales tax revenue continues to climb despite COVID-19Which metro areas have fared better in the COVID-19 rebound?Cities in a post-COVID world - Richard Florida, Andrés Rodríguez-Pose, Michael Storper, 2021Gateway & Natural Amenity Region (GNAR) InitiativeFrom Los Angeles to New York, Underused Office Buildings Become Apartments Amid Housing...
That's a wrap! Thank you to all of our listeners for a great second season. We will be back for season three this fall. In this season finale, Nimo and Jas dig into emerging programs in the urban planning and development space. Specifically, the topic and pilot programs related to Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) in the transportation field and Amazon's Housing Equity Fund launched in 2021. Arguably, both programs aim to make communities better, but does the mission align with the execution? Press play to hear: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2018-10-03/universal-basic-mobility-is-a-human-right (Bloomberg) defines Universal Basic Mobility (UBM) as a system of partnerships or policies that provide a minimum level of mobility to all members of society. Learn more about two current UBM pilots in Pittsburg, PA, and Oakland, CA. The https://www.aboutamazon.com/impact/economy/housing-equity/fund (Amazon Housing Equity Fund) includes $2 billion in grants, loans, and lines of credit to developers, public agencies, and non-profit organizations to build or preserve affordable housing. Find out what progress is being made in Amazon's corporate regions: Seattle, WA; Arlington, VA; and Nashville, TN. A brief recap of Nimo and Jas' favorite moments from season two. Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us onhttps://twitter.com/the4degreespod ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ ( Instagram) @the4degreespod. https://forms.gle/HzrG2omikn78Xj4J6 (Subscribe) or send us an email to connect with us! RESOURCES https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2021-11-11/u-s-cities-test-effects-of-universal-basic-mobility (Bloomberg: Like Basic Income, But for Transportation) https://pittsburghpa.gov/press-releases/press-releases/5084 (Pittsburgh Launches Innovative Mobility and Equity Initiatives Move PGH and Universal Basic Mobility) https://www.roadsbridges.com/city-pittsburgh-launches-mobility-service-universal-basic-mobility-pilot (City of Pittsburgh launches mobility as a service, Universal Basic Mobility pilot) https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/universal-basic-mobility (Oakland Universal Basic Mobility Pilot) Note: Oakland Pilot Evaluation was published on March 16, post episode recording https://whimapp.com/ (Whim App) https://data.bts.gov/stories/s/ida7-k95k#transportation-expenditures-and-income (Transportation Economic Trends: Transportation Spending - Average Household) https://washingtonhousingconservancy.org/washington-housing-conservancys-first-acquisition-of-arlingtons-crystal-house-honored-with-2021-housing-achievement-award/ (Washington Housing Conservancy's First Acquisition of Arlington's 'Crystal House' Honored with 2021 Housing Achievement Award)
In honor of Women's History Month, we dedicate this episode to the authentic experiences of people who identify as women in public space and the built environment. Planners of all gender identities have a responsibility to create spaces that are safe and accessible for all users. Women are often underrepresented in the fields responsible for these conditions. Such as planning, architecture, and engineering. Nimo and Jas interviewed two fellow black women on how they engage with public space and their choices as they navigate the world every day. First, Melanie Brooks, mother, Oakland, CA native, and current resident working in public administration. And Tabia Gamble, a young transportation professional living in Baltimore city. Press play to hear: What transportation mode feels safe depending on the time of day or ridership volume Considerations for personal safety and property when making routine trips due to increased crime during the COVID-19 pandemic Training tools and resources for practitioners, such as UN Women's free online course titled https://portal.trainingcentre.unwomen.org/product/i-know-gender-how-to-series-3-mainstreaming-gender-equality-in-infrastructure/ (Mainstreaming Gender Equality in Infrastructure) Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us onhttps://twitter.com/the4degreespod ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ ( Instagram) @the4degreespod. https://forms.gle/HzrG2omikn78Xj4J6 (Subscribe) or send us an email to connect with us! RESOURCES: https://ppms.trec.pdx.edu/media/project_files/NITC_994_Narratives_of_Marginalized_Cyclists.pdf (Narratives of Marginalized Cyclist: Understanding obstacles to utilitarian cycling among women and minorities in Portland, OR) https://stopstreetharassment.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/2014-National-SSH-Street-Harassment-Report.pdf (Unsafe and Harassed in Public Spaces) http://betterbikeshare.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/NITC-RR-884b_Breaking_Barriers_Resident_Survey.pdf (Breaking Barriers to Bike Share: Insights from Residents of Traditionally Underserved Neighborhoods) https://eige.europa.eu/sites/default/files/documents/20202459_mh0120302enn_pdf.pdf (Benefits of gender equality through infrastructure provision: an EU-wide survey) https://sustainable.unops.org/ (SustainABLE UNOPS) https://www.environmentandurbanization.org/feminist-city-field-guide (Feminist City: A Field Guide | Environment & Urbanization) https://content.unops.org/publications/UNOPS-Infrastructure-for-Gender-Equality-and-the-Empowerment-of-women.pdf?mtime=20200914194443 (Infrastructure for gender equality and the empowerment of women) https://sustainable-infrastructure-tools.org/gender-responsive-infrastructure/ (https://sustainable-infrastructure-tools.org/gender-responsive-infrastructure/) https://emsdialogues.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/The-Solutions-Lab_Gender-responsive-Infrastructure_Thematic-Brief.pdf (Gender-Responsive Infrastructure)
This week, Nimo and Jas sat down with Charles T. Brown, Founder and CEO of https://equitablecities.com/ (Equitable Cities). A minority- and veteran-owned urban planning, public policy, and research firm focused at the intersection of transportation, health, and equity. Charles is internationally known for his research and advocacy on barriers to access in transportation and the built environment for racialized minorities, women, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented groups. This episode discusses his recent theory, Arrested Mobility, which explores the legal and illegal policies and practices that limit mobility for Black and Brown populations, some of which through violence and over-policing. Check out the https://open.spotify.com/show/2luAp6Fx96GBkFK5HTyksg?si=EQOxVxXURl6KNm1WVAivqw (Arrested Mobility Podcast) hosted by Charles T. Brown for additional listening. Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us onhttps://twitter.com/the4degreespod ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ ( Instagram) @the4degreespod. https://forms.gle/HzrG2omikn78Xj4J6 (Subscribe) or send us an email to connect with us!
“Reimagine 911.” A common call-to-action in the movement following the murder of George Floyd in 2020. Since then, many local governments have begun to assess their policing systems, gun violence, investments in public safety, and public health and human services. Traditionally, only Police and Fire/EMS have been available to respond in-person to a person in crisis on a 24/7 basis, but that is changing. This week, we have a special guest, Dan Kornfield, Executive Director of http://dignitybestpractices.org/ (Dignity Best Practices) (DBP). DBP helps local governments improve their practices at the intersections of Public Safety and Public Health. Press play to hear: How Dignity Best Practices assists cities in building effective and fitting 24/7 responses for people in behavioral health crises Current and emerging practices in alternatives to police responses What you can do to influence changes in emergency responses to serve vulnerable populations better Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us onhttps://twitter.com/the4degreespod ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ ( Instagram) @the4degreespod. https://forms.gle/HzrG2omikn78Xj4J6 (Subscribe) or send us an email to connect with us!
In honor of the late Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birthday earlier this month, Nimo and Jas traced the dream back to the 1960s at the height of the civil rights movement. Following the March on Washington and his famous "I Have A Dream" speech, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964, authorizing the federal government to enforce desegregation and prohibit discrimination. We explored Dr. King's tremendous legacy and how that has impacted black people in the United States then and now. Press play to hear: Reactions to Dr. King's "The Other America" speech on housing discrimination A comparison of social and economic measures within the black population from the 1960s to the present day, such as homeownership rates, incarceration rates, life expectancy, poverty level, education attainment, black-owned businesses, and more Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us onhttps://twitter.com/the4degreespod ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ ( Instagram) @the4degreespod. https://forms.gle/HzrG2omikn78Xj4J6 (Subscribe) or send us an email to connect with us! RESOURCES: https://www.inman.com/2022/01/17/read-mlks-the-other-america-housing-speech-as-it-turns-55/amp/ (Read MLK's 'The Other America' Housing Speech As It Turns 55 Years Old - Inman) https://www.pewresearch.org/social-trends/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2013/08/final_full_report_racial_disparities.pdf (King's Dream Remains an Elusive Goal; Many Americans See Racial Disparities) https://www.census.gov/prod/1/statbrief/sb93_2.pdf (US Census Bureau: Black Americans: A Profile) https://sgp.fas.org/crs/misc/R44705.pdf (The US Income Distribution: Trends and Issues) https://www2.census.gov/library/publications/1962/demographics/p60-37.pdf (Income of Families and Persons in the United States: 1960) https://www.huduser.gov/periodicals/ushmc/summer94/summer94.html (Homeownership-Past, Present, and Future) https://www.urban.org/sites/default/files/2019/07/16/black_homeownership_data_talk_slides.pdf (Black Homeownership Gap: Research Trends And Why The Growing Gap Matters) https://www.bls.gov/opub/ted/2018/unemployment-rate-2-point-7-percent-for-people-ages-45-to-54-8-point-3-percent-for-ages-16-to-24-in-october-2018.htm (Unemployment rate 2.7 percent for people ages 45 to 54, 8.3 percent for 16 to 24 in October 2018) https://www.epi.org/publication/unfinished-march-overview/#:~:text=Over%20the%20last%20half%20century,the%20white%20rate%2C%20for%20blacks (The Unfinished March: An Overview | Economic Policy Institute) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5823283/ (Examining the Impact of Structural Racism on Food Insecurity: Implications for Addressing Racial/Ethnic Disparities) https://www.ers.usda.gov/webdocs/publications/102076/err-298.pdf?v=4430.5 (Household Food Security in the United States in 2020) https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/su6001a15.htm (Obesity - United States, 1988--2008) https://www.mbda.gov/about/history (The History of the MBDA | Minority Business Development Agency) https://www.fundera.com/resources/black-owned-business-statistics (20 Black-Owned Business Statistics for 2021) https://www.sentencingproject.org (The Sentencing Project)
According to the Population Reference Bureau, over 55 million Americans are 65 or older. And by 2030, 26 states will have over 20 percent of their residents over the age of 65. This podcast is for anyone curious about places and spaces, their community, and how to make it better. So it is only fitting to discuss what it means to age in place, which is staying in your own residence as you age for as long as you can. To do so successfully, older adults need to access necessary services to maintain the quality of life that they choose. Press play to hear: An overview of life expectancy data based on region and where people are living longer Successful metrics for aging in place and national rankings A conversation on mobility and safe stress for older adults Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. https://forms.gle/HzrG2omikn78Xj4J6 (Subscribe) or send us an email to connect with us! RESOURCES: https://academic.oup.com/psychsocgerontology/article/75/5/1093/5717464 (Life Beyond 65: Changing Spatial Patterns of Survival at Older Ages in the United States) https://www.prb.org/resources/which-us-states-are-the-oldest/ (PRB: Which US States Have the Oldest Populations?) https://milkeninstitute.org/sites/default/files/reports-pdf/Best-Cities-for-Successful-Aging-2017_2.pdf (Milken Institute: Best Cities for Successful Aging 2017) https://www.census.gov/content/dam/Census/library/publications/2020/acs/acs-45.pdf (The Commuting Patterns of Older Workers: 2013–2017) https://smartgrowthamerica.org/dangerous-by-design/ (Smart Growth America: Dangerous By Design 2021) https://880cities.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/8-80-Streets-Danforth-Summary-Report-.pdf (8 80 Cities: 8 80 Streets Danforth Engagement Report)
Happy Holidays! Nimo and Jas are back this week with another "how-to" episode. There are many resources available to explore the world around you from a planning perspective, such as the social impacts and economic functions in a specific place. However, these tools are accessible for everyone. They may empower you to find the answers to your questions about why your neighborhood, town, city, or state is the way that it is today. Press play to hear: How to use Census data to explore people who live in your neighborhood and their unique identifiers such as age, race, income, and more Tips for researching the budget and spending in your neighborhood and how they plan for future development Affordable housing developments and what area median income means based on where you live Tools that measure inequities, opportunity, poverty, and inclusion Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us onhttps://twitter.com/the4degreespod ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ ( Instagram) @the4degreespod. https://forms.gle/HzrG2omikn78Xj4J6 (Subscribe) or send us an email to connect with us! RESOURCES: https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/ (US Census Bureau QuickFacts) https://www.socialexplorer.com/ (Social Explorer (Interactive Data Visualization)) https://state-local-finance-data.taxpolicycenter.org/pages.cfm (State and Local Finance Data: Exploring the Census of Governments) https://www.urban.org/node/101485 (State Fiscal Briefs) http://apps.urban.org/features/what-drives-state-spending/ (What everyone should know about their state's budget) https://www.pewtrusts.org/en/research-and-analysis/articles/2020/10/20/state-websites-offer-fiscal-data-on-local-governments (State Websites Offer Fiscal Data on Local Governments) https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Agencies-Departments-Offices-Directory/Community-Planning-and-Development (Denver: Community Planning and Development) https://www.denvergov.org/Government/Agencies-Departments-Offices/Economic-Development-Opportunity/RISE-Denver (RISE Denver - From Rescue, to Economic Recovery) https://www.denvergov.org/content/dam/denvergov/Portals/690/Reports%20and%20Studies/DEDOBooklet_Final2_HIGHER%20RES.pdf (Propel Denver) https://www.huduser.gov/portal/datasets/fmr.html (Fair Market Rents - HUD User) https://www.epi.org/publication/the-new-gilded-age-income-inequality-in-the-u-s-by-state-metropolitan-area-and-county/ (Income inequality in the U.S. by state, metropolitan area, and county) https://apps.urban.org/features/inclusion/index.html?topic=map (Measuring Inclusion in America's Cities) https://reports.nlihc.org/oor (Out Of Reach | National Low Income Housing Coalition) https://www.census.gov/about/what/data-equity/tools.html (US Census Bureau Data Equity Tools) https://apps.urban.org/features/equity-data-tool/index.html (Spatial Equity Data Tool) https://www.racialequityalliance.org/ (Government Alliance on Race and Equity)
No two planners are the same from their title, educational journey, and interest areas. Even though Nimo and Jas have a total of four degrees in planning, neither of them works in traditional planning roles. This week, they had the pleasure of interviewing Jasmine Burnett and Michelle Juma to add their perspective on life after studying planning. Jasmine Burnett is based in Atlanta, GA. Her work focuses on building self-determined and liberated Black communities based on cooperative economics. Jasmine is also a co-founder and co-owner of https://thespoonsconsultancy.com/ (The Spoons Consultancy), a Black-women-run and staffed creative consulting cooperative. Michelle Juma is based in Washington, DC, and her work focuses on the full spectrum of affordable housing with expertise in equitable disaster recovery and revitalization. Michelle provides technical assistance to economically challenged rural, urban, and island communities, focusing on housing and community development. Thank you for listening and tuning in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. https://forms.gle/HzrG2omikn78Xj4J6 (Subscribe) or send us an email to connect with us!
The CDC's eviction moratorium to block the eviction process for tenants who cannot pay rent ended on August 26, 2021. In a public health emergency like COVID-19, this ensures people can quarantine, isolate, and social distance to prevent the spread. This Supreme Court decision spurred national discussion on housing policies for the most vulnerable, financially-strained residents. This week, Nimo and Jas cover the status of wage growth, housing costs (and affordability) as we approach the final weeks of federal emergency renter assistance (ERA) programs and rising evictions in states and towns with little tenant protections. Press play to hear: Data on gaps between wages and productivity in the last 40 years compared to home and rent prices Housing affordability as nearly half of renters spend more than 30 percent of their income on housing COVID-19 Minnesota case study: federal renters assistance and eviction moratoriums Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. https://forms.gle/HzrG2omikn78Xj4J6 (Subscribe) or send us an email to connect with us! RESOURCES: https://www.jchs.harvard.edu/sites/default/files/reports/files/Harvard_JCHS_State_Nations_Housing_2021.pdf (The State of the Nation's Housing 2021) https://www.epi.org/productivity-pay-gap/ (The Productivity–Pay Gap) https://listwithclever.com/research/home-price-v-income-historical-study/ (How Home Prices and Household Incomes Changed Since 1960) https://www.huduser.gov/portal/pdredge/pdr_edge_featd_article_092214.html (HUD Rental Burdens: Rethinking Affordability Measures) https://reports.nlihc.org/oor (Out Of Reach: The High Cost of Housing) https://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/Overview-of-National-Eviction-Moratorium.pdf (Federal Moratorium on Evictions for Nonpayment of Rent) https://www.npr.org/sections/coronavirus-live-updates/2020/12/02/940720861/these-are-deaths-that-could-have-been-prevented-says-researcher-studying-evictio (Study: Lifting Of Eviction Moratoriums Linked To Thousands Of Excess Deaths) https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=3739576 (Expiring Eviction Moratoriums and COVID-19 Incidence and Mortality) https://www.renthelpmn.org/ (RentHelpMN) https://www.mnhousing.gov/sites/Satellite?blobcol=urldata&blobheadername1=Content-Type&blobheadername2=Content-Disposition&blobheadername3=MDT-Type&blobheadervalue1=application%2Fpdf&blobheadervalue2=attachment%3B+filename%3DMHFA_259550.pdf&blobheadervalue3=abinary%3B+charset%3DUTF-8&blobkey=id&blobtable=MungoBlobs&blobwhere=1533152957915&ssbinary=true (MN Housing: The Eviction Moratorium is Ending) https://usafacts.org/articles/states-lag-in-distributing-rental-assistance-while-millions-are-behind-on-rent/?utm_source=usnews&utm_medium=partnership&utm_campaign=fellowship&utm_content=Link (States lag in distributing rental assistance while millions are behind on rent) https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1RnHX7Ld7KJ_jgj8Sk52xjCygYRETwU-OthOGE3uduHM/edit#gid=1432075608 (NLIHC ERA Spending Tracking)
Welcome to season two of the Four Degrees to the Streets Podcast. We missed y'all and plan to deliver more relatable and informative episodes this year. Make sure to https://forms.gle/xoza7ChGdkf8ixCb6 (subscribe to our email list). Our first “how-to” themed episode covers the basics of how to make community engagement work for you in your neighborhood. The American Planning Association defines civic engagement as the process of working collaboratively with individuals and groups to achieve specific goals. Press play to hear: Several definitions of community engagement, why it matters, and why the federal government requires input on certain projects Tips on how to get involved in community engagement if you don't know where to start Real-world examples of the community engagement process in action and suggested improvements Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! RESOURCES: https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/communityengagement/pce_execsummary.html (CDC: Principles of Community Engagement) https://www.citizenshandbook.org/arnsteinsladder.html (Arnstein's Ladder of Citizen Participation) https://organizingengagement.org/models/ladder-of-citizen-participation/ (Ladder of Citizen Participation – Organizing Engagement) https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/40/6.203 (40 CFR § 6.203 - Public participation. | CFR | US Law ) https://www.dummies.com/home-garden/green-living/urban-planning-for-dummies-cheat-sheet/ (Cheat sheet for getting involved in the planning process) https://college.lclark.edu/live/files/7418-formsofcommunityengagement (Forms of Community Engagement) https://www.nytimes.com/guides/year-of-living-better/how-to-participate-in-government (NY Times: How to Participate in Politics) https://www.hud.gov/i_want_to/get_involved_in_my_community (HUD: Get Involved in My Community) https://myvillager.com/2020/07/08/open-space-variance-denied-for-affordable-senior-housing-project/ (Open space variance denied for affordable senior housing project) https://www.soundtransit.org/st_sharepoint/download/sites/PRDA/FinalRecords/2017/Roosevelt%20TOD%20Outreach%20Summary%20Final.pdf (Summary of Community Engagement) https://www.pps.org/article/a-playbook-for-inclusive-placemaking-community-process (A Playbook for Inclusive Placemaking: Community Process)
Hey, y'all! Thank you for a great first season. We'll be back in Fall 2021 with more relatable urban planning content for the streets. In the season finale, Nimo and Jas dig into all things traffic safety. Specifically, the 4 E's: Engineering, Education, Enforcement, and Evaluation. https://smartgrowthamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dangerous-By-Design-2021-update.pdf (Data shows) that 49 out of 50 states are getting increasingly dangerous, and pedestrian fatalities are up 45 percent in the last 10 years. What policies and programs are addressing this public safety and public health crisis? Press play to hear: Crash data related to pedestrian fatalities across the country The importance of investing in engineering and road design that create safer behaviors on the road Tools to educate all road users about safety Pros and cons of enforcing traffic safety and disproportionate racial profiling events with Black and Brown people driving, walking, or using transit A look ahead at the transportation infrastructure funding priorities in the Biden Administration Thank you for listening and tune in every other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us onhttps://twitter.com/the4degreespod ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ ( Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! Resources: https://smartgrowthamerica.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Dangerous-By-Design-2021-update.pdf (Dangerous by Design 2021 Update) https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/R/R44394 (Federal Highway Traffic Safety Policies: Impacts and Opportunities) https://doi.org/10.4278/0890-1171-18.1.58 (Neighborhood Environment, Access to Places for Activity, and Leisure-Time Physical Activity in a Diverse North Carolina Population) https://wsd-pfb-sparkinfluence.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/2017/07/EquityReport2015.pdf (Race, ethnicity, class, and protected bike lanes: An idea book for fairer cities) https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2020.106077 (Impact of a youth advocacy policy, systems and environmental change program for physical activity on perceptions and beliefs) https://features.propublica.org/walking-while-black/jacksonville-pedestrian-violations-racial-profiling/ (Walking While Black) https://visionzeronetwork.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/12/VZN_ActionPlan_FINAL.pdf (Vision, Strategies, Action: Guidelines for an Effective Vision Zero Action Plan) https://visionzero.ca/vision-zero-a-toolkit-for-road-safety-in-the-modern-era/#safe_speeds (Vision zero: a toolkit for road safety in the modern era) https://smartgrowthamerica.org/program/national-complete-streets-coalition/ (National Complete Streets Coalition) https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/statements-releases/2021/03/31/fact-sheet-the-american-jobs-plan/ (Fact sheet: The American Jobs Plan) https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/FY2022-Discretionary-Request.pdf (The White House: FY 2022 Discretionary Request)
With Earth Day 2021 approaching this month, Nimo and Jas took time to analyze the cycle of climate change. Specifically, the relationship between climate, the built environment, human behavior, and the daily human experience in a world that is getting warmer every day. In recent times, 2015 to 2019 had the top five hottest years on record. And 19 of the 20 warmest years have occurred since 2001. Press play to hear: A brief explanation of the difference between climate and weather. An overview of specific human behaviors that lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions and climate change. Such as cement manufacturing or factory farming. Statistics that prove global temperature rising and extreme events associated with climate change like hurricanes and droughts. National policy goals related to combating climate change and individual steps you can take to reduce carbon footprints Thank you for listening and tune in every-other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us onhttps://twitter.com/the4degreespod ( Twitter) andhttps://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ ( Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! Resources: https://climate.nasa.gov/evidence/ (NASA Climate Change: Vital Signs of the Planet) https://www.ucsusa.org/resources/are-humans-major-cause-global-warming#:~:text=Scientists%20agree%20that%20global%20warming,coal%2C%20oil%2C%20and%20gas (How Do We Know that Humans Are the Major Cause of Global Warming?) https://www.apa.org/pubs/journals/releases/amp-66-4-251.pdf (Human Behavioral Contributions to Climate Change-Psychological and Contextual Drivers) https://sites.google.com/site/climateanalysisindicatorstool/cait-international-8-0/ghg-intensity-of-economy (Per Capita GHG Emissions - WRI's Climate Analysis Indicators Tool) https://www.climate.gov/news-features/understanding-climate/climate-change-global-temperature (Climate Change: Global Temperature) https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators/climate-change-indicators-drought (Climate Change Indicators: Drought | Climate Change Indicators in the United States) https://www.c2es.org/content/extreme-weather-and-climate-change/ (Extreme Weather and Climate Change | C2ES) https://www.npr.org/sections/hurricane-laura-live-updates/2020/08/27/906633395/hurricanes-like-laura-are-more-likely-because-of-climate-change (NPR: Climate Change Makes Hurricanes Like Laura More Likely) https://earthjustice.org/features/how-climate-change-is-fueling-extreme-weather (How Climate Change Is Fueling Extreme Weather) https://www.washingtonpost.com/us-policy/2021/03/22/infrastructure-biden-drug-reform/ (White House prepares massive infrastructure bill with universal pre-K, free community college, climate measures) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Z19mqw1j1U (Spencer Glendon at the 2019 Sohn Investment Conference )
Happy Spring! This week we have a special treat. Nimo and Jas met up in DC for the first time since starting Four Degrees to the Streets to record this episode in-person. In addition to the audio recording, you can also watch this episode's full visual recording on our https://www.instagram.com/tv/CNCzMXtApS_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link (Instagram). “Where the Money Reside” is all about how local governments develop their budget. The budget process determines implementation for policies, plans, and programs, which will naturally impact residents and their quality of life. Press play to hear: An overview of every fiscal year's budget process: formulation, legislation, execution, and accountability. Examples of how cities can incorporate equity into the budget process and accountability reporting. Thank you for listening and tune in every-other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Watch the special in-person episode https://www.instagram.com/tv/CNCzMXtApS_/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link (here). Watch the promotional video https://www.instagram.com/p/CNDJjbXATlF/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link (here). Special thanks to video producer/director https://www.instagram.com/vibesbyjune/ (@vibesbyjune). Filmed and recorded at http://www.campworkspace.com/ (CAMPspace) content studio in Hyattsville, MD. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! Resources: https://www.gacities.com/Resources/GMA-Handbooks-Publications/A-Budget-Guide-for-Georgias-Municipalities/Step-by-Step-Activities-in-the-Budget-Process-(1).aspx (Step-by-Step Activities in the Budget Process) http://mrsc.org/Home/Explore-Topics/Finance/Budgets/Budget-Procedures-and-Deadlines-for-Cities-and-Tow.aspx (Budget Preparation Procedures for Cities and Towns) https://www.urban.org/policy-centers/cross-center-initiatives/state-and-local-finance-initiative/state-and-local-backgrounders/state-and-local-revenues (Urban Institute State and Local Finance Initiative) https://www1.nyc.gov/assets/ddc/downloads/not-for-profit/1-guidelines-for-capital-funding.pdf (NYC Guidelines for Capital Funding) https://opengov.com/faq/local-government-budget-process (What is the Local Government Annual Budget Process?) https://lanecounty.hosted.civiclive.com/UserFiles/Servers/Server_3585797/File/Government/County%20Departments/County%20Administration/Budget%20and%20Financial%20Planning/Basic%20Budgeting%20Book.pdf (An introductory guide to creating local budgets) https://www.governing.com/archive/gov-are-annual-financial-reports-useless.html (Are Comprehensive Annual Financial Reports Useless?) https://www.sabin.org/sites/sabin.org/files/restricted/Schaeffer_Yilmaz_localbudget__08.pdf (Strengthening Local Government Budgeting and Accountability) https://samples.jblearning.com/0763746681/31293_ch03_lee.pdf (Budget Cycles) https://www.seattle.gov/Documents/Departments/RSJI/RacialEquityToolkit_FINAL_August2012.pdf (Seattle Racial Equity Toolkit) https://bbmr.baltimorecity.gov/news/news-articles/2018-01-03-seattle-and-baltimore-peer-city-exchange-outcome-budgeting-racial (Seattle and Baltimore: Peer City Exchange on Outcome Budgeting & Racial Equity) https://app.smartsheet.com/b/publish?EQBCT=b90f65efc1d344b2be9ee13526e5236b (City of Austin Equity Dashboard) https://www.sanantonio.gov/Portals/0/Files/Equity/BudgetEquityTool.pdf?ver=2020-04-13-182339-083 (San Antonio Equity Tool)
If there is one thing most of us can agree on, the professional sports industry is fueled by money. Fan-based revenue is one of the major sources of income, and they need a place to call home. This week Nimo and Jas investigated the impact of sports stadium construction deals on cities, specifically the San Francisco 49ers Levi's Stadium that opened in 2014. The average cost of an NFL stadium is https://econreview.berkeley.edu/the-economics-of-sports-stadiums-does-public-financing-of-sports-stadiums-create-local-economic-growth-or-just-help-billionaires-improve-their-profit-margin/ ($1.2 billion). Should local taxpayers and governments be responsible for paying for a portion of the costs? And is the perceived economic benefits of the stadium a valid argument why the public should chip in on the bill? Press play to hear: The sports economics literature on why or why not cities should invest in sports stadiums. History of the San Francisco 49ers team, locations, and impact compared to other NFL teams. A deep dive into the stadium deal between Santa Clara and the SF 49ers, including the initial ballot measure, project costs, and funding distribution by each party. Alternatives for funding and constructing sports stadiums with less public resources. Thank you for listening and tune in every-other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! Resources: https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/MF-03-2016-0076/full/pdf?title=how-are-we-funding-professional-sports-stadiums-an-overview (How are we funding professional sports stadiums? An overview) https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.2202/1553-3832.1156/html (Do Economists Agree on Anything? Yes!) https://econreview.berkeley.edu/the-economics-of-sports-stadiums-does-public-financing-of-sports-stadiums-create-local-economic-growth-or-just-help-billionaires-improve-their-profit-margin/ (The Economics of Sports Stadiums: Does public financing of sports stadiums create local economic growth, or just help billionaires improve their profit margin?) https://www.forbes.com/nfl-valuations/list/#header:revenue_sortreverse:true (Forbes: Sports Money: 2020 NFL Valuations) https://www.truthinaccounting.org/library/doclib/Financial-State-of-the-Cities-2020.pdf (Truth in Accounting: Financial State of Cities 2020) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bayview%E2%80%93Hunters_Point,_San_Francisco (Bayview–Hunters Point, San Francisco) https://www.nbm.org/exhibition/documenting-crossroads/ (National Building Museum: Documenting Crossroads: The Coronavirus in Poor, Minority Communities) https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/sports/49er-stadium-measure-leads-in-early-results/1887899/ (Game On: 49ers Stadium Measure Wins Approval – NBC Bay Area) https://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/Levi-s-Stadium-The-1-3-billion-bet-5687409.php (Levi's Stadium: 49ers happy, Santa Clara may be on the hook) https://ballotpedia.org/Santa_Clara_Stadium_for_the_49ers,_Measure_J_(June_2010) (Santa Clara Stadium for the 49ers, Measure J (June 2010)) https://web.holycross.edu/RePEc/hcx/HC1705-Baumann-Matheson-OConnor_SantaClaraStadium.pdf (Hidden Subsidies and the Public Ownership of Sports Facilities: The Case of Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara) https://www.santaclaraca.gov/our-city/santa-clara-stadium-authority/financial-reports#Stadium-Budget (Santa Clara Stadium Authority Financial Reports) https://deadspin.com/what-can-we-learn-from-four-stadium-deals-that-dont-suc-1829659467 (What Can We Learn From Four Stadium Deals That Don't Suck?) https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/06/a-better-kind-of-stadium-deal/486596/ (Is There a Better Public Financing Option for Building Stadiums?) https://www.thekraftgroup.com/gillette-stadium/ (Gillette Stadium: A Family of Businesses)
Four Degrees to the Streets is excited to celebrate Black History Month with two episodes that focus on Black history, community, and planning. This week's episode features a panel of Black business owners from around the country! Speakers include https://kirahibbert.com/ (Kira Hibbert), based in Philadelphia, owner and partner at https://www.instagram.com/3bldevelopers/?hl=en (3BL Developers), and real estate agent at Coldwell Banker Preferred. Basheera Agyeman, founder and owner of https://www.shopshewrapz.com/ (SheWrapz), a Ghanaian-American Muslim educator based in Baton Rouge. We also heard from Justis Pitt-Goodson (Founder/CEO) and Taha Shimou (COO/Head of Design) at https://www.brownmillcompany.com/ (BrownMill Company) based in New Jersey. Press play to hear: Statistics on minority-owned businesses and the significance of Black-owned businesses in the community. Challenges for Black-owned businesses pre-COVID and present-day and how the speakers overcame them. Black Lives Matter protests in 2020 and its increased spotlight on supporting Black-owned business. From May 25 to July 1, 2020, there were 2.5 million searches for Black-owned businesses, an increase from only 35,000 searches over the same period in 2019 (an increase of 7,000%), according to a https://www.yelpeconomicaverage.com/yea-q2-2020.html (Yelp report) highlighting changes in searches for the phrase ‘black-owned.' Thank you for listening and tune in every-other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! Resources: https://www.instagram.com/phillyrealtorfinds/ (Kira's Instagram: Philly Realtor Finds) https://www.instagram.com/shewrapz/ (Basheera's Instagram: SheWrapz) https://www.instagram.com/brownmillcompany/ (Justis/Taha: BrownMill Instagram) https://www.census.gov/newsroom/press-releases/2021/annual-business-survey.html (US Census Bureau: Annual Business Survey) https://www.brookings.edu/essay/to-expand-the-economy-invest-in-black-businesses/ (Brookings Institution: To expand the economy, invest in Black businesses) https://www.nber.org/system/files/working_papers/w27061/w27061.pdf (National Bureau of Economic Research: Labor Demand in the time of COVID-19: Evidence from vacancy postings and UI claims) https://www.forbes.com/sites/elanagross/2020/07/22/support-for-black-owned-businesses-increases-more-than-7000-yelp-reports/?sh=60a1475042a8 (Forbes: Support For Black-Owned Businesses Increases More Than 7,000%, Yelp Reports)
Four Degrees to the Streets is excited to celebrate Black History Month with two episodes that focus on Black history, community, and planning. This week, Nimo and Jas talk with Kristen Jeffers (she/her), also known as https://theblackurbanist.com/ (The Black Urbanist). Her multimedia platform highlights Black Queer Feminist Urbanist design, planning, and practice. Later this month, episode 6 will feature a panel of Black business owners from around the country! Press play to hear: Reflections on the development of Black planners and policymakers throughout history using formal and informal education Diversifying and expanding the AICP certification process A look ahead at land-use planning development strategies in the Black community during the Biden Administration 20-second hot takes on current planning trends like ride-sharing, Airbnb, etc. Thank you for listening and tune in every-other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! Resources: http://theblackurbanist.com/resources/ (The Black Urbanist Resources) https://www.patreon.com/kristenejeffers (The Black Urbanist Patreon: newsletter, educational videos, resources) https://www.planningaccreditationboard.org/index.php?id=30 (Accredited Planning Program) Wikipedia sites: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Urban_planning (Urban Planning) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_urban_theorists (List of urban theorists) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_urban_planners (List of urban planners) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_slavery#cite_note-17 (History of Slavery) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benjamin_Banneker (Benjamin Banneker) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maggie_L._Walker (Maggie L. Walker - First Black Woman to Own a Bank)
Remember episode 1? Nimo and Jas weighed in on federal policies that contributed to the history of racism in the United States. This week's episode focuses on housing, environmental, and transportation policies that attempt to address past wrongdoings and injustices. These policies are not perfect and come with their own set of challenges; however, they created a foundation for equitable practices. Press play to hear the following attempted remedies: The Fair Housing Act, Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC), and Inclusionary Zoning practices in major cities. Title VI, Environmental Justice Executive Order 12898, and examples of local EJ policies. Urban Mass Transportation Act, creation of the Federal Transit Administration, and Complete Streets. Thank you for listening and tune in every-other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! Resources: https://nationalfairhousing.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/NFHA-2018-Fair-Housing-Trends-Report_4-30-18.pdf (National Fair Housing: Making Every Neighborhood A Place Of Opportunity) https://www.huduser.gov/portal/periodicals/em/spring13/highlight3.html (HUD: Inclusionary Zoning and Mixed-Income Communities) https://www.atlantaga.gov/government/departments/city-planning/office-of-housing-community-development/inclusionary-zoning-policy (City of Atlanta: Inclusionary Zoning) https://www1.nyc.gov/site/hpd/services-and-information/area-median-income.page (NYC: Area Median Income - HPD) http://cityhealthdata.org/policy/40-cities-inclusionary-zoning-laws (CityHealth: Affordable Housing/Inclusionary Zoning) https://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/zoning/districts-tools/inclusionary-housing.page (NYC Zoning: District Guides) https://www.nj.gov/governor/news/news/562020/20201208a.shtml (Gov. Murphy (NJ) Announces $190 Million in Renovations for Newark Penn Station) https://www.justice.gov/crt/fcs/newsletter/Spring-2015/TitleVIandEJ (Federal Coordination Of Title VI And Environmental Justice) https://www.americanbar.org/groups/environment_energy_resources/publications/trends/2011_12/march_april/environmental_justice_title_vi_civil_rights_act/ (Environmental justice and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act: A critical crossroads) https://www.epa.gov/environmentaljustice/title-vi-and-environmental-justice (EPA: Title VI and Environmental Justice) https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/local-policies-environmental-justice-national-scan-tishman-201902.pdf (NRDC: Local Policies for Environmental Justice: A National Scan) http://www2.minneapolismn.gov/sustainability/policies/green-zones (Green Zones Initiative - City of Minneapolis) https://www.transportation.gov/transition/fta-understanding-federal-transit-administration#:~:text=For%20over%2050%20years%2C%20FTA,funding%2C%20technical%20assistance%20and%20oversight (USDOT: Understanding FTA) https://www.transportation.gov/BUILDgrants/about (US Department of Transportation: BUILD Grants) https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/2020-09/BUILD%202020%20Fact%20Sheets-.pdf (FY 2020 BUILD Awards) https://smartgrowthamerica.org/program/national-complete-streets-coalition/ (National Complete Streets Coalition) https://smartgrowthamerica.org/dangerous-by-design/ (Dangerous By Design 2019) https://features.propublica.org/walking-while-black/jacksonville-pedestrian-violations-racial-profiling/ (ProPublica: Walking While Black) https://durkan.seattle.gov/2019/03/what-the-data-tells-us-about-chapter-1-of-the-seattle-squeeze-people-drove-less-took-transit-and-biked-more/ (Seattle Squeeze: People drove less, took transit, and biked more)
Happy New Year! 2020, COVID-19, and stay at home orders affected mental health for many individuals. How do communities cope when their built environment does not support positive mental health outcomes from a planning perspective? This week we are joined by a special guest, Christie Holland of https://www.guttedfitness.com/ (Gutted Fitness LLC). Gutted Fitness helps black individuals from urban areas make peace with their past, present, and future by providing and preserving safe spaces to be black. Christie uses her background in urban planning, policy, community outreach and engagement, and sales and marketing to lead thought-provoking conversations and action. Press play to hear: An overview of positive and negative influences of the built environment on mental health. Physical and mental health statistics for Black populations. How does data tell a story about the history of racial inequality and disinvestment in America? Hood Politics and how planners can engage communities and meet residents where they are while building trust and meaningful relationships. Thank you for listening and tune in every-other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! Resources: https://www.cdc.gov/healthyplaces/ (CDC: Designing and Building Healthy Places) https://www.guttedfitness.com/ (Gutted Fitness: Mental Health) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1470658/#:~:text=Exercise%20improves%20mental%20health%20by,self%2Desteem%20and%20cognitive%20function.&text=Exercise%20has%20also%20been%20found,self%2Desteem%20and%20social%20withdrawal (Exercise for Mental Health) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2632799/ (Housing environment and mental health outcomes: A levels of analysis perspective) https://www.amazon.com/Making-Healthy-Places-Well-being-Sustainability/dp/1597267279 (Making Healthy Places: Designing and Building for Health, Well-being, and Sustainability) https://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/volumes/69/wr/mm6942e1.htm (CDC: Race, Ethnicity, and Age Trends in Persons Who Died from COVID-19) https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/major-depression.shtml (NIH: Major Depression Statistics) https://www.mhanational.org/issues/black-and-african-american-communities-and-mental-health (Mental Health America: Black and African American Communities and Mental Health) https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/cbhsq-reports/NSDUHFFR2017/NSDUHFFR2017.pdf (Key Substance Use and Mental Health Indicators in the United States: Results from the 2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health) https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifting-the-veil-trauma/202005/what-is-collective-trauma (Psychology Today: What Is Collective Trauma?) https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2771930 (Association of the Built Environment With Childhood Psychosocial Stress)
In 2018, the American Public Health Association (APHA) declared law enforcement violence disproportionately affecting people of color and marginalized communities a public health issue. In 2020, following the killing of George Floyd and continued police violence during protests, APHA declared racism as a public health crisis. In this episode, Nimo and Jasmine consider the pros and cons of how states, cities, and counties responded to this declaration and the current state of public health amongst Black and Latinx people and lower-income neighborhoods. Press play to hear: An analysis of adopted resolutions and declarations of racism as a public health issue. There are over 50 from jurisdictions across the country! The leading causes of death in the United States by race. A breakdown of how road design, access to green spaces and groceries, pollution, and environmental racism can impact health outcomes. Thank you for listening and tune in every-other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Please rate and leave a review! Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! Resources: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-07-13/dozens-of-cities-dub-racism-a-public-health-crisis (Bloomberg CityLab: Dozens of Cities Dub Racism as a Public Health Crisis) https://apha.org/topics-and-issues/health-equity/racism-and-health/racism-declarations (APHA: Declarations of Racism as a Public Health Issue) https://www.cdc.gov/healthequity/index.html (CDC: Health Equity - Office of Minority Health and Health Equity) http://www.nycgovparks.org/downloads/nyc-parks-framework.pdf (NYC Parks and Recreation) https://parkserve.tpl.org/mapping/index.html?CityID=0644000 (The Trust for Public Land - Park Serve) https://www.ers.usda.gov/data-products/food-access-research-atlas/documentation/ (USDA: Food Access Research Atlas Documentation) https://www.lyft.com/lyftup/grocery-access (LyftUp Grocery Access Program) https://www1.nyc.gov/site/planning/zoning/districts-tools/fresh-food-stores.page (NYC Planning: FRESH Food Stores) https://www.lung.org/clean-air/outdoors/who-is-at-risk/disparities (American Lung Association: Disparities in the Impact of Air Pollution) https://www.blackandurban.com/sustainability-habitation/signs-of-environmental-discrimination (Black + Urban: Signs of Environmental Discrimination) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3086453/ (NIH: Storefront Cigarette Advertising Differs by Community Demographic Profile) https://tobaccocontrol.bmj.com/content/28/5/548 (BMJ: Evaluating the impact and equity of a tobacco-free pharmacy law on retailer density in New York City neighbourhoods) https://www.publichealth.columbia.edu/public-health-now/news/law-limiting-tobacco-sales-pharmacies-could-exacerbate-neighborhood-disparities (Columbia Public Health: Law Limiting Tobacco Sales in Pharmacies Could Exacerbate Neighborhood Disparities) https://www1.nyc.gov/site/doh/about/press/pr2018/pr103-18.page (NYC Health: Ban on Tobacco Products in Pharmacies Goes into Effect in January)
Welcome to Four Degrees to the Streets! In the first episode of the podcast, Nimo and Jasmine define urban planning and a brief history of racism in the United States. Press play to hear: An analysis of the American Planning Association (APA) statement on Righting the Wrongs of Racial Inequality (published May 2020). Are some of the most influential urban planners racist in their policies? Think Robert Moses and Jane Jacobs. A breakdown of federal policy decisions that altered communities based on race. Specifically the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956, the Federal Housing Administration Underwriting Manual, and racial zoning as a tool to segregate neighborhoods. Thank you for listening and tune in every-other Tuesday where Nimo and Jas keep it Four Degrees to the Streets. Follow us on https://twitter.com/the4degreespod (Twitter) and https://www.instagram.com/the4degreespod/ (Instagram) @the4degreespod. Or send us an email to connect with us! Resources: https://www.census.gov/dataviz/visualizations/020/ (U.S. Census Bureau: The Great Migration) https://www.amazon.com/Warmth-Other-Suns-Americas-Migration/dp/0679763880 (The Warmth of Other Suns: The Epic Story of America's Great Migration) https://planning.org/policy/statements/2020/may31/ (APA Statement on Righting the Wrongs of Racial Inequality) https://www.amazon.com/Power-Broker-Robert-Moses-Fall/dp/0394720245 (The Power Broker: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York) https://www.npr.org/2020/07/05/887386869/how-transportation-racism-shaped-america (NPR: 'The Wrong Complexion For Protection.' How Race Shaped America's Roadways And Cities) https://prrac.org/the-interstates-and-the-cities-highways-housing-and-the-freeway-revolt/ (The Interstates and the Cities: Highways, Housing, and the Freeway Revolt) https://www.amazon.com/Color-Law-Forgotten-Government-Segregated/dp/1631494538/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=color+of+law&qid=1606260571&s=books&sr=1-1 (The Color of Law: A Forgotten History of How Our Government Segregated America) https://www.amazon.com/Ground-Up-Environmental-Movement-Critical/dp/0814715370 (From the Ground Up: Environmental Racism and the Rise of the Environmental Justice Movement)
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