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June 17, 2026

Ep. 204 - What Your Commute Reveals About Your City with Urban Planner Nick Martell

Catherine Alonzo is joined by urban planner and educator Nick Martell to explore how zoning, housing policy, and transportation planning shape the communities we live in. Decisions made by planners and policymakers influence everything from housing affordability and traffic congestion to sustainability, economic opportunity, and community connection. This conversation explores how change happens at the local level and why more people should pay attention to the systems shaping the places they call home. In this episode, you'll learn: Why housing is more complicated than "just build more" and how zoning rules can unintentionally limit solutions How tools like Tucson's Community Corridors initiative can help communities become more walkable, livable, and connected Why the people most affected by planning decisions are often the least involved in the planning process, and what can be done about it If you've ever wondered why your city looks and functions the way it does, or if you care about housing, sustainability, transportation, and building stronger communities, this episode is for you. 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more insights on changemaking. 🎧 Listen on your favorite podcast platform or watch on YouTube now!

Also available on Apple Podcasts