(Atlanta, Ga.) There may be no better time than now to learn how to be a planner, said student leader Malavika Murali, at the School of City and Regional Planning’s celebration of World Town Planning Day.

People in every corner of the world “are taking action to create livable communities," she said. “It motivates me further to become a planner who advocates for the safety and provides opportunities for underserved communities.”

For the last 73 years, World Town Planning Day has been celebrated by professional and student planners every November. It's a day that acknowledges the role passionate planners play: They advocate for safety and justice, and they work to create positive change for those disadvantaged by current transportation, economic, housing, and environmental systems.

“Celebrating World Town Planning Day is one of our traditions here at Georgia Tech. We share our passion for creating sustainable communities and highlight the impacts of our profession on our daily lives.” Said School Chair Gulsah AKar

This year, the School of City and Regional Planning invited Rebecca Serna, Executive Director at Propel ATL, to host a lecture on “Planning for Sustainable Transportation in Atlanta” for World Town Planning Day. Students were invited to the lecture and could network with Serna at the following lunch reception.

“I see planners from Georgia Tech who are committed to sustainable transportation, in their personal and professional lives,” Serna said. “And I think that makes such a difference because it means you bring that personal experience to Planning roles, whether you're a consultant or you work for a government agency.” 

“Whenever I'm around students, I get re-energized about my work. It can be easy to get a little bit downtrodden when you are trying to advocate for people to get around a city like Atlanta outside of cars,” she said. The Georgia Tech students she met after the lecture offered her fresh energy, new ideas and perspectives, enthusiasm, and optimism, she said.

One of those students, Nathan Davis said, “My favorite part about being a planner is working with communities to create more livable and enjoyable places to be in. “

From biking and pedestrian facilities to land use policy, Davis said his classes focus on including communities in planning work of the neighborhoods, towns, and cities they call home.