Episode 7: Daniel Howe

Life's Ambition

Professor Daniel Howe discusses his journey into the planning field and the challenges and rewards of being a planner. He highlights the importance of public participation in the planning process and the impact it can have on creating better projects. He also discusses the growth and development of the Triangle area in North Carolina and the role of planning in shaping the community. The conversation touches on topics such as the time it takes for planning projects to come to fruition, the benefits and drawbacks of public participation, and the role of green spaces in urban planning. The conversation explores the role of parks and open spaces in communities, the impact of zoning on urban development, the challenges of affordable housing, and the changing dynamics of downtown areas. It highlights the importance of parks as essential public spaces and the evolving perception of cities, shifting from skyscrapers to signature open spaces. The conversation also delves into the complexities of zoning codes and their impact on property values and affordable housing. It discusses the effects of COVID-19 on urban migration and the need for planners to reimagine downtown areas in the face of changing work patterns.