Master of Regional Planning (MRP) Theses and Exit Projects
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This is a collection of Master in Regional Planning (MRP) Theses and Exit Projects for the Department of City and Regional Planning.
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Item Smart Solar Energy Integration in Saudi Arabian Cities: Strategies for Sustainable Urban DevelopmentAlsadah, Shifaa (2024-05)This paper examines the potential for integrating smart solar energy solutions in Saudi Arabian cities, aiming to transition from an oil-dependent economy to a sustainable, renewable energy-based future. Through a comparative analysis with China and the UAE, leaders in solar energy, this study identifies key economic, political, and technological barriers and offers tailored strategies to overcome these challenges. By leveraging geographic advantages and enhancing fiscal incentives, the paper suggests that Saudi Arabia can not only mitigate the economic risks associated with oil dependency but also foster significant urban development through renewable energy. The proposed transition strategy underscores the importance of political support and technological innovation, positioning Saudi Arabia as a future leader in global renewable energy initiatives.Item EXPLORING THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN UPZONING AND CONGESTIONDu, Dingning (2024-05-24)While upzoning is commonly implemented to accommodate growing urban populations by increasing housing density, its effects on traffic congestion are multifaceted and complex. On one hand, higher density can promote more efficient travel patterns, potentially alleviating congestion by enhancing the viability of public transit and non-motorized transportation modes. On the other hand, it can also lead to increased traffic volumes, exacerbating congestion. This study, focusing on the East New York Neighborhood in New York City, which underwent significant upzoning between 2016 and 2018, provides detailed insights into how upzoning influences local congestion dynamics. By employing regression models to analyze traffic data in relation to upzoning, clear distinctions emerged between treatment and control areas. The study suggests that effective urban planning should consider these dynamics to mitigate congestion, emphasizing the need for integrated approaches to address urban traffic challenges.Item PARTICIPATORY URBAN GROWTH MODELING - INCORPORATION OF A PARTICIPATORY SIMULATION APPROACH IN MICRO-LEVEL URBAN GROWTH MODELSYawen Chen (2024-05-24)Around the world, the concomitant impacts of urban growth on environmental and socio-economic issues are causing much concern. The development of urban growth models is to monitor and evaluate the impacts of urban growth and has transformed from mathematical implementations of macro-economic theories to micro-level simulation. Still, few urban growth models consider public participation in the modeling process. At a micro- level urban growth modeling where unique conditions of study areas necessitate a localized research framework, it is crucial to incorporate the active engagement of stakeholders throughout modeling to prove the accuracy of growth models. This paper introduces a participatory modeling approach that allows stakeholders’ engagement in urban growth models, analyzes its methodology, and elaborates on its application in urban growth models using two case studies. Results of case studies show that the introduction of the participatory modeling approach is significant for stimulating public participation, strategic and sustainable urban planning, and innovative future scenarios in micro-level urban growth modeling.Item Challenges in Reintroducing Fair Market Value to U.S. Public Drinking Water SystemsThomas McKiernan (2024-05-23)This paper analyses the debates around the shift in water system valuation from the traditional book value-based system towards a market-driven exchange approach called Fair Market Value (FMV). FMV legislation was first introduced in California in 1997 and has been introduced in the past decade in 12 additional states. What is driving this shift in state policy and what does it mean for our understanding of value? Based on a review of the FMV acquisition process, this paper explores the debates around this shift in water system valuation drawing on historical court cases, case studies acquisitions, and a review of public utility commission documents, legislative transcripts, court cases and statutes. The paper finds that FMV is a boon for regulated utilities and elected officials seeking to exchange public water and wastewater systems for windfall profits paid for through higher customer rates. FMV challenges conventional regulatory ratemaking and will undoubtedly spur discussion on the future of public asset valuation and implications for equity and affordability.Item Challenges in Reintroducing Fair Market Value to U.S. Public Drinking Water SystemsThomas McKiernan (2024-05-23)This paper analyses the debates around the shift in water system valuation from the traditional book value-based system towards a market-driven exchange approach called Fair Market Value (FMV). FMV legislation was first introduced in California in 1997 and has been introduced in the past decade in 12 additional states. What is driving this shift in state policy and what does it mean for our understanding of value? Based on a review of the FMV acquisition process, this paper explores the debates around this shift in water system valuation drawing on historical court cases, case studies acquisitions, and a review of public utility commission documents, legislative transcripts, court cases and statutes. The paper finds that FMV is a boon for regulated utilities and elected officials seeking to exchange public water and wastewater systems for windfall profits paid for through higher customer rates. FMV challenges conventional regulatory ratemaking and will undoubtedly spur discussion on the future of public asset valuation and implications for equity and affordability.Item OVERPARKED AND UNDERSERVED: ANALYZING THE CONTRADICTION IN PARKING POLICIES IN PHILADELPHIA’S UNIVERSITY CITY DISTRICTLixian(Olivia) Jiang (2024-05-23)Despite the extensive attention given to broader transportation planning issues, parking studies have received insufficient focus. While many existing parking studies rely on quantitative data and modeling methods, there is a notable gap in research that incorporates interviews with key stakeholders at the grassroots level to truly understand the nuances of parking management and policies. Parking significantly influences the built environment, travel behaviors, housing patterns, and the overall community well-being. This study reveals the oversupplied parking spaces fail to meet residents’ needs by integrating data from the 2023 Parking Inventory in the University City District and insights from interviews with a city planner, a real estate developer, and a parking lot owner. This paper aims to shed light on this critical aspect of parking policies and propose actionable strategies to address the challenges and opportunities associated with parking.Item YOUTH NAVIGATING PRECARITY THROUGH CLIMATE ACTION: CASE OF MATHAREMadhumitha Vasu (2025-05-23)This study explores the environmental organizing of the youth in Mathare and its potential to transcend hustle into climate activism. It examines how the intervention of global climate actors and their agendas influence the youth's work. By building an empirical case through the stories and evolution of the youth, using observer participation and participant observation, the research analyzes potential pathways and possibilities for Mathare’s youth groups. Embedded in the discourse of hustle and climate adaptation in informal settlements, this paper argues that the youth's work is transitioning from opportunism to visionary practice. As the youth navigate their precarious employment situations and struggle to find identity and community through hustling, the paper explores their potential to expand their vision and scope, and to collectivize towards climate adaptation, is enabled by opportunities presented by global climate efforts. Finally, the paper invites further research on the potential of youth activism to contribute to effective climate adaptation.Item HARBIN’S POSTCOLONIAL NOSTALGIA:TRACKING CHINA’S RUSSIAN ORTHODOX SAINT SOPHIA CATHEDRAL ACROSS REGIMESXuan Wu (2024-05-23)The paper analyzes the representation of Saint Sophia Cathedral Harbin across media, to explore the interplay between nostalgia and urban transformation, particularly in relation to the postcolonial city identity and global aspirations. Through qualitative media analysis spanning from 1905 to the present, drawing on sources from China, Russia, and Canada, the research explores visual, textual, and social media depictions alongside historical archives. It tracks how perceptions of the church have evolved in response to socio-political shifts, revealing its role in shaping Harbin's urban identity. The paper reveals that media portrayals of St. Sophia Church have influenced the city's nostalgia and collective memory, reflecting a nuanced relationship with its colonial past, where nostalgia acts not only as a sentimental attachment but also as a critical engagement with the city's colonial legacy. By focusing on this landmark, the paper contributes to understanding how nostalgia shapes postcolonial urban identity amidst globalization.Item THE IMPACT OF COVID-19 ON SENIORS' PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION TRAVEL PATTERNS - A CASE STUDY OF BAY AREA RAPID TRANSITYiwen(Leah) Chen (2024-05-23)This study examines the impact of COVID-19 on senior citizens' use of public transportation within the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) system, focusing on how seniors adjusted their travel to avoid contagion risks and how responses varied among different socioeconomic groups. Data includes BART ridership statistics, Customer Satisfaction Surveys, and a comprehensive review of socioeconomic factors affecting senior mobility. The analysis employs multiple linear regression and geographically weighted regression to identify significant predictors of changes in travel behavior. Results indicate a significant reduction in overall public transit usage with a slow recovery post-pandemic, especially in the southern parts of the Bay Area. However, relative to other demographic groups, the proportion of seniors using the service increased. This study highlights the resilience and increased dependency on public transportation among some senior groups during crises, suggesting the need for targeted transit policies to support this vulnerable population.Item OVERPARKED AND UNDERSERVED: ANALYZING THE CONTRADICTION IN PARKING POLICIES IN PHILADELPHIA’S UNIVERSITY CITY DISTRICTLixian(Olivia) Jiang (2024-05-24)Despite the extensive attention given to broader transportation planning issues, parking studies have received insufficient focus. While many existing parking studies rely on quantitative data and modeling methods, there is a notable gap in research that incorporates interviews with key stakeholders at the grassroots level to truly understand the nuances of parking management and policies. Parking significantly influences the built environment, travel behaviors, housing patterns, and the overall community well-being. This study reveals the oversupplied parking spaces fail to meet residents’ needs by integrating data from the 2023 Parking Inventory in the University City District and insights from interviews with a city planner, a real estate developer, and a parking lot owner. This paper aims to shed light on this critical aspect of parking policies and propose actionable strategies to address the challenges and opportunities associated with parking.