Urban Studies and Planning

¶ … walked through the empty lot, en route to the walking path beneath the freeway overpass. "Someone ought to do something with this land," I said to my friend. "What a waste! At least the city could buy it and build a skate park, like the mayor keeps promising." My friend nodded in return. Several years ago, I didn't understand how cities sprouted and grew; how their residents maximize local natural resources; and how neighborhoods, streets, and public utility services are mapped out. Like most people, I watched passively as parking lots turned into parks and once-dead districts became magnets for tourism. Then on a trip to New York City I craned my neck in utter amazement at the towering high rises looming over me, anchored on the relatively tiny island of Manhattan. Eight million people breathed, walked, and worked here and although the subways didn't always run on time, Manhattan is marvelously organized. In addition to appreciating the historical development of this urban marvel, I realized how much brain power it takes to create a successful thriving city. This realization, combined with my genuine desire to impact the lives of others, led me to pursue an academic and career path in urban studies.

In particular, I hope to improve two interrelated yet often conflicting issues facing urban development: economic growth and environmental soundness. I believe that a balance between these two is entirely possible with the right tools, technology, and trade secrets. I also believe that the quality of life in urban centers is directly related to a combination of environmental and industrial/technological policies. For example, all world-class urban centers must have ample green space, parks that provide opportunities for recreational activities as well as clean air and an escape from noise and air pollution. However, any city that endeavors to attract tourism and wealth needs also to stimulate business growth and development. Because one cannot exist without the other, it is necessary for policy makers to plan urban development carefully, weighing each option. I hope to learn the intricacies of this challenging field while attaining my Bachelor's Degree and to apply that academic knowledge to the field.

Ultimately I want my contribution to the field to improve people's lives directly. Incorporating more options for recreation and aesthetics in cities is a top priority, as I have seen what too much concrete can do to a town's atmosphere and morale. I would like to study the cities that serve as models for the ideal lifestyle, cities that boast excellent public transportation systems, parks, museums, and recreational facilities. Urban youth are often at a loss, for many cities fail to include such things as basketball or tennis courts, skate parks, or simply open fields. Residents of all ages need a place to run and play, to enjoy the fruits of their labor without having to get in their cars and drive. Walking, jogging, and bicycle paths are essential to creating a healthy and enjoyable living environment for city residents, and I hope to be able to impact public policy in this area.

One of the most important and most difficult problems facing American urban centers is the economic divide between rich and poor neighborhoods. Ethnic conflicts and class-related strife are issues that can be helped through effective urban planning and development. I hope to learn how to improve the lives of all city residents and to not favor the wealthy over the poor as a matter of course. Effective city planning can reduce the problems associated with economic and ethnic strife, especially crime. Moreover, keeping all neighborhoods clean and safe is a top priority in making city centers as livable as possible. I look forward to learning about the operation of public utilities, budgeting city funds, and managing burgeoning populations. I believe I have the communication, negotiation, and analytical skills required to solve such significant problems as these.

Moreover, as an urban planner, I would also endeavor to improve air and water quality in urban centers. I believe that urban policy makers have a responsibility to regulate and control pollution and therefore I would like to learn how I can participate in the process of reducing and controlling harmful emissions and environmental toxins. Through my studies in urban planning, I intend to learn about the interface between science, economics, and public policy in improving the atmosphere and quality of life in our cities. With the power that this knowledge provides, I know that I can make a positive impact on the world. I also look forward to studying about the historical development of cities and relating that information to the future. Through traveling I have learned to appreciate the immense work that has gone into the planning, creation, and maintenance of cities.