Chris is a PhD candidate in urban planning at UCLA. His research interests include theories of just urban design; public space; and everyday urbanism. Presently, his dissertation investigates how grassroots planning and design tactics by an unhoused encampment in Los Angeles can be incorporated into formal infrastructure to produce more just public spaces. His research has been featured in the Journal of the American Planning Association. Prior to UCLA, he received urban planning degrees from New York University and Columbia University. Beyond academia, he works with skateboard nonprofits to host DIY construction workshops and decriminalize public spaces for skateboarding.

Claire is a doctoral student in Urban Planning at UCLA interested in public space governance, civic participation, and urban design. Her current research centers on questions of spatial justice in the production and management of urban parks and public spaces, and the role of planners, designers, and communities in shaping shared public environments and outcomes. Before pursuing doctoral studies, Claire worked in policy research, advocacy, and community engagement in Toronto and New York City, with a focus on the public realm.

Andrés is a doctoral student in Urban Planning at UCLA’s Luskin School of Public Affairs. His research interests include public space, Southern urbanism, insurgent planning and the role of media in shaping the built environment. Prior to UCLA, Andrés worked as a writer, curator and producer in architecture and urban planning projects.

Gus is a PhD student in Urban Planning at UCLA. His research is concerned with how processes of neighborhood change intersect with public space access and use. Gus is also the Assistant Director of cityLAB – UCLA, managing its Mellon Foundation grant, overseeing projects on housing insecurity and long-distance commuting, and co-producing its Digital Salon podcast.