This is the first of a two-part interview with AJ Fawver, who at the time of this discussion was director of planning for the City of Lubbock, Texas. (She’s now with Verdunity! Note to future podcast guests: we apparently might try to hire you!)

(Follow AJ on Twitter: @planningguru. Read her blog on ELGL here.) Listen to part two.

Here's a sampling of what Kevin and AJ get into:

• The difference between land use planing and zoning—and what they’re good for. And some ways that their application hasn’t been good for cities.

• Dealing with the common perception (in various cities) that planning departments exist to hinder growth or development

• The ways that money enters the equation in decision making, for planners, for city administrators, for elected officials, and even for citizens. And the ways that it often doesn’t but should.

• Why it’s so common for (vocal) residents in cities to oppose things like apartments and assisted living facilities.

• AJ also addresses the politics of having discussions about development patterns with residents and elected officials.

(Music from this episode is from Custodian of Records)