Designing San Diego: Urban Planning, Mentorship, and Resilient Cities with Howard Blackson
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How can we balance urban growth with community connection and environmental sustainability in modern city planning?
In this episode of Skip the Lines Podcast, Jonathan Mitchell welcomes Howard Blackson, the Urban Design Manager at Michael Baker International, to discuss the evolution of urban planning and city design. From his roots in San Diego to his role in shaping walkable communities, Howard offers insights into the philosophy and practicality of building cities that people love. He reflects on mentorship, sharing lessons from industry icons like Sandy Goodkin, and recounts pivotal moments like his work in post-Hurricane Katrina recovery.
Listeners will gain an understanding of urban design's intersection with culture, sustainability, and the challenges of adapting to modern needs.
Love this conversation? Share it with a fellow city enthusiast or aspiring urban designer! Comment or connect with us online!
Highlights
00:00 - Introduction to Howard Blackson
Urban design leadership at Michael Baker International.
San Diego’s unique culture and Howard’s career roots.
01:35 - Favorite Quotes and Mantras
“Where people spend time, they spend money” – insights into human behavior and city development.
The importance of loved spaces for community resilience.
03:52 - Mentorship and Career Evolution
Role of mentors like Sandy Goodkin and Mike Stepner.
Lessons from collaborations with national and international urbanist communities.
12:19 - Defining Career Opportunities
Post-Hurricane Katrina recovery efforts and its impact on Howard’s career.
Insights into urban planning challenges in disaster-stricken areas.
20:38 - Communication Strategies in Urban Design
The art of mirroring and connecting with diverse audiences.
Building trust through honesty while navigating complex city dynamics.
40:00 - San Diego Zoning and Affordable Housing
Advocating for zoning reform and complete communities.
Challenges in middle-income housing and the state of mixed-use development.
52:55 - Vision for Transit and Parking
Aligning transit investments with urban density.
Why parking policies need to adapt to evolving city needs.
01:00:00 - Stewardship of San Diego
Howard’s role on the Balboa Park Committee and addressing its structural challenges.
Conclusion.
Connect with Howard Blackson!
Website: https://howardblackson.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/howard-blackson-b586478/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hblackson
Connect with me!
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