About | Urban Planning is Not Boring

Urban Planning is Not Boring

Hosted by

About the Show

Passionate about climate change mitigation, finding equitable solutions to the housing crisis, and more, Sam Ellman and Natalie Ikhrata dive into various topics related to the field of urban planning that are anything but boring!

This podcast aims to break down complex urban planning concepts and present them in an accessible and engaging way for listeners of all backgrounds. Whether you are a seasoned urban planner or simply interested in learning more about how cities are designed and built, "Urban Planning is Not Boring" is the perfect podcast for you.

Meet our Hosts

Natalie Ikhrata

Natalie is an alumnus of the Master of Urban Planning program at the University of Southern California. She received her degree with a specialization in “Housing and Real Estate Development”. She currently works as an Assistant Project Manager for Meta Housing, a housing developer that focuses on affordable and mixed-income apartment communities. She previously worked as a transportation planner at Los Angeles Metro in Downtown Los Angeles.

Samantha Ellman

Samantha is a transportation planner with Fehr & Peers, a transportation planning and engineering consulting firm. She earned her Master's of Urban Planning, with a concentration in "Planning for Climate Change and Sustainability," at the USC Sol Price School of Public Policy. While at USC, Sam began her urban planning journey at METRANS Transportation Consortium, the Los Angeles Department of Transportation, and finally, at Fehr & Peers. Prior to earning her Master’s degree, Sam attended the University of California, Santa Barbara where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies.