SAE TOMORROW TODAY: One Day Kids Will Play in the Streets Again

Abstract

What will cities look like as we come out of the COVID-19 pandemic? Ashwini Chhabra, Co-Founder & Principal of Electric Avenue, joins us this week to offer his take on how trends that have emerged during the shutdown can, and likely will, transfer as cities begin to open back up. First, we talk about Ashwini's background that has transitioned from the financial service sector to the New York City education system to the urban transportation space, and how he has applied private sector thinking to public sector problems. With Ashwini's background in education, the conversation looks at how schools in New York are taking advantage of available outside space and how prioritizing public space will play an important role in city planning. Ashwini discusses the importance of planning ahead to move people around in the ways they need to properly function the city by using all forms of transportation. The New York City subway system gets a long look as well with the need to rebuild confidence in a mode that is safer and cleaner than most believe. The conversation also looks at the taxis and how safety measures put in place years ago will help it rebound post COVID-19, and how ride sharing services may need to adopt similar measures to achieve growth potential. The conversation closes out with the question: What do cities look like in the future? Ashwini shares insight on how we will move, house, work and feed people as urbanization continues to rise; how we need to prioritize our use of space; his message to elected officials on zoning concerns and questions; and what hyperlocal, 15 minute cities can do to help create a sense of community and evoke a sense of comfort on streets and sidewalks. Learn more about Electric Avenue at www.electricavenue.city.