Our July 2019 dialogue on Megacities brought together experts to discuss the wide array of challenges facing the world’s largest cities, where population growth and rapid urbanization demand innovative solutions. We covered crucial topics such as energy and climate efficiency, the water-energy-food nexus, and the complexities of maintaining a balance between preserving urban heritage and embracing the need for rejuvenation. As cities expand, the pressure to modernize infrastructure while safeguarding cultural landmarks grows, creating a unique set of challenges for urban planners and policymakers.
Another major focus of our discussion was the importance of efficient and participatory urban planning. In megacities, where millions of people live and work, the ability to plan and execute policies that consider diverse needs is essential. Urban planning in these settings must account for everything from transportation systems and housing to environmental sustainability and social equity. Engaging the public and incorporating their input into the planning process helps ensure that the solutions are not only effective but also equitable.
In this episode of our podcast, we revisit these critical issues with two participants from that dialogue, Elvan Erginli and Alex Armlovich. They pick up the conversation by exploring the importance of data-based policymaking in addressing the unique challenges of two iconic megacities: Istanbul and New York City. Both cities face pressures from rapid growth, environmental concerns, and the need to modernize infrastructure. Erginli and Armlovich discuss how leveraging data can lead to more informed decisions, resulting in policies that better address the needs of urban populations. They also examine how data-driven strategies can enhance resilience, improve quality of life, and help cities navigate the complexities of the 21st century.
Elvan Erginli is a project coordinator at the Turkish Economic and Social Studies Foundation. She received a PhD in Urban Planning from Istanbul Technical University with a dissertation entitled ‘Migrants’ local and nonlocal social networks’. She focuses on urban inequality, efficient provision of urban services, data-based decision-making, housing and public transportation.
Alex Armlovich is a Senior Research Associate at New York’s Citizens Budget Commission. His research focuses on transportation, infrastructure, and urban public policy. Prior to CBC, he worked as a Taubman Summer Fellow in capital planning at the MBTA and as a state and local policy fellow at the Manhattan Institute. Alex holds a BA in Economics and Political Science from University of Rochester and a Master in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.
