OCS Conference Funding Submission

Event Photo:

A group of planners discusses the day's lessons over a sushi boat (a highly sustainable form of transportation)

Zi Lin tries out a new VR technology for analyzing potential developments within a cityscape.

Of course the keynote used a "Rocky" theme because we were in Philadelphia.

Name: Thomas Baker

Degree Program: MPA IN PUBLIC & NONPROFIT MANAGEMENT & POLICY

Specialization: PNP-Advocacy & Political Action

Conference Host Organization/Institution: American Planning Association

Conference/Competition Name: National Planning Conference

Conference Term: Spring Conference Start Date: 2023-03-31 Conference End Date: 2023-04-02

What were your takeaways from this conference/case competition?
I took the most insights from a session on transit-oriented development and housing production in regards to sustainable building and transportation planning practices. I learned about flexible bus routes and other innovative policies for people in rural areas, which is an area outside of my usual focus at NYU. I was able to learn from experts in places like Tulsa, Oklahoma or Tacoma, Washington, that I would not have access to otherwise.

How will your participation in this conference/case competition support your professional development?
I was able to connect with planners and organizations hiring planners from around the country and engage in joint analysis of shared issues. These connections will serve me throughout my career, regardless of which region I end up working in.

What are some next steps or action items this conference/case competition inspired?
I will be investigating various trends from across the country that I learned about for the first time at this conference and building further knowledge in those areas to expand my perspective as a planner.

What are some tips or best practices that you would like to share with other Wagner students who attend a conference/case competition?
Bring a particular issue or question in your head that you would like to try to evaluate or answer as you go through the sessions; the amount of content can be overwhelming, and so giving yourself a framework of how to process and apply that information is helpful.

Wagner Areas of Impact: Cities, Government, Housing