007 - Urban Design

Host Franklin Ramirez discusses urban design with Elgin Sustainability Commissioner Tom Armstrong. Tom, a retired city planner, now holds many volunteer positions, including serving on the downtown Elgin design committee. When looking at a city’s blueprint and how it changes overtime, how do we design transportation systems and neighborhoods, and how are schools and parks are distributed throughout town? Elgin, now 38 square miles, has developed and grown a lot over the years, from early urban neighborhoods with a grid design to more recent suburban patterns with things more spread apart. What are characteristics of a great neighborhood? What will Elgin look like years from now? Tune in to hear Franklin and Tom discuss the many considerations of designing a community.