David Gest
David Gest is both a master's candidate in City and Regional Planning and a juris doctorate candidate at the University of Pennsylvania.
Contributed 827 posts
David Gest is pursuing a dual degree in Law and City and Regional Planning at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. Originally from Washington, D.C., he received a bachelor's degree in architecture with a focus in urban studies from Yale University in 2003. After graduation, David moved to Los Angeles and joined the historic preservation consulting firm Chattel Architecture, Planning & Preservation, Inc. In 2006, David worked for Planetizen as Managing Editor after working part-time as Associate Editor for two years. David has volunteered his time for the Planning and Law Division of the American Planning Association, the Los Angeles Section of the APA, and as writer and editor for The Next American City magazine. He enjoys traveling with his fiancée and playing ultimate frisbee.
Coming Soon To An Exurban County Near You
It is possible to move three, four, or even five counties out from the District of Columbia and still feel the effects of growth in the national capital region, even though Unger, W.Va. is not generally considered a suburb of Washington.
New 'Burbs, New Suburbanism
Joel Kotkin asserts that "city sophisticates" praising downtown revivals and the New Urbanism must now admit that the suburbs are the center of attention in America and around the world.
Eminent Domain Backlashes 'Aren't Strong Enough'
"Community rights" do not exist, and since legislators and much of the public have "gone squishy" over individual property rights, more action is needed to restrict eminent domain powers, according to this op-ed.
Smart Growth Key To British Columbians' Health Advantage
BC has about half the obesity rate of the Northwest states, a one-third lower car-crash fatality rate, and its residents live an average of two years longer. Why?
UK Planning Bureaucracy Discourages Economic Development
England's planning policies may be reformed based on national versus local interests and needs, as the country attempts to secure deals with major international corporations.