Personal Aspirations
I aspire to work in a capacity where I can contribute to equitable urban development, ideally within the public sector on a small-scale such as city or municipal planning. My primary interest lies in alleviating economic inequality across an intersectional lens through enhancing public access to amenities and necessities. Coming from an impoverished background in the Southern United States, I have seen what planning malpractice, automotive reliance, and systemic alienation of public services has done to further harm lower class people. I was initially attracted to transportation as a way to connect people to their needs, but have since also taken a keen interest in land use as a way to develop working-class, people-centric communities.
I have come to appreciate the complexity of urban planning and the necessity of integrating a diverse portfolio of perspectives. I recognize that while technical expertise is crucial, planners must also be adept at ethical reasoning, conflict resolution, and community engagement. I see my future role as one that bridges the gap between policy frameworks and lived realities, ensuring that planning serves both the common good and those most vulnerable to displacement and marginalization.
Powers and Ethics
Planners wield significant power in shaping urban environments, from zoning code interpretations to public policy recommendations. This power comes with ethical obligations, including:
Equity and Social Justice
Ensuring that all community members, regardless of socioeconomic status, have access to housing, transportation and public amenities (Scenario 6). Planners must recognize structural injustices and seek to rectify them through inclusive policies.
Environmental Sustainability
Balancing economic growth with environmental stewardship, particularly in cases where urban development conflicts with ecological preservation (Scenario 7). The ethical imperative here is to plan for both current and future generations.
Public Engagement and Transparency
Creating inclusive planning processes that empower communities rather than imposing top-down solutions (Scenarios 4 & 5). Following communicative planning principles, planners should actively facilitate diverse voices in decision-making.
Professional Integrity
Upholding honesty and objectivity, even when pressured by political or financial interests (Scenario 2). This aligns with the AICP Code of Ethics, which mandates that planners serve the public interest and resist improper influence.