E9 Identities Shape City Planners

 

Beth Sanders and Jason Syvixay investigate how their locational, gender, sexual orientation, age and racial identities shape their experience of cities, their work as city planners and some implications for the planning profession. (Note: you don’t have to be a city planner to enjoy this conversation!)  

Jason Syvixay believes that cities need to foster a culture that balances the voices of the loudest and the quietest people in the city. He works as a planner at the City of Edmonton, focusing on infill development, zoning, and equity while working on his Ph.D. in urban and regional planning. Jason prioritizes engagement between builders, developers, architects and impacted residents. And he encourages the city’s decision-makers to dive into urban debate and discussion, not shy away from them.  

Through various media platforms, Jason convenes dialogue around pressing urban issues, allowing for a thoughtful exchange of ideas to occur across geography, gender, generational, and racial transects. You will enjoy Jason’s Twitter feed: @DowntownJason 

Reflection

  • Which of your identities feel alive, fully part of your work and participation in city life? 

  • Which of your identities are you hiding, tucking away?

  • Who are the people around you, whether in your personal or professional lives, who make room for all of your aliveness? 

 
Beth Sanders