Edward Huynh, (post-graduation, MUP)
he/him
I am a second-generation Asian-American and first-generation college student. I am completing a master’s in urban planning at San Jose State University, with a specific focus on transportation. I received my undergraduate degree in Political Science from San Francisco State University with certifications in Transportation Planning, Urban Design, and Environmental Planning.
Aside from planning, I’m very interested in history and politics. This interest led me to write an article for an Eno Center for Transportation project that reflected on each U.S. president’s contribution to American infrastructure. I am passionate about transportation and urban design, and I dream of one day being part of efforts to connect the various parts of the Bay Area into one.
The most interesting part about being a planner is the many topics a single project may entail. For example, we created recommendations for our capstone project to address needs in a high-traffic area. These recommendations were made based on several topics that people were concerned about, such as culture, environment, jurisdictional powers, people’s dogs, parks, traffic management, and many more. Having so many topics on a single topic is so interesting and fun because I love to explore rabbit holes of information. Having so many rabbit holes available to me in this single project allowed that exploration to flourish.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring the growing genre of video games, watching Star Wars, talking about Star Wars, and waiting for opportunities to talk about Star Wars. I also like to lie about how much I work out.
Alyson Hunter, AICP
she/her
I’ve been a public planner in coastal California for over 26 years. I began in Humboldt County and will wrap up my career with the City of Marina in Monterey County as Planning Services Manager. It’s been an adventure! I’m a proud graduate of Cal Poly Humboldt (back when it was known as HSU, of course) and feel fortunate to have spent my entire professional career along California’s beautiful coast — with all the challenges that accompany it. Over the last few years, I completed a graduate certificate in Native American Studies through Montana State University, and I look forward to working on Indigenous sovereignty projects in my “encore career”.
Interesting projects I am currently working on are General Plan and comprehensive Local Coastal Program updates for the City of Marina, as well as the rollout a 1,300+ unit subdivision, entitled in 2008, that also includes ±60 acres of commercial.
I am a generalist and have loved learning about the wide variety of land use issues that affect our communities. As public planners, we’re in the “know” and, as a result, what we do is very political. This work can be stressful, but there’s never a dull moment; every day comes with new challenges.
Outside of work, my interests lie in hiking, yoga, travel, and reading great books.
Request for Content
APA California – Northern strives to remain a connected community. We would like to extend a special invitation to members to be featured in the next Northern News “Who’s Where” section, where we are eager to highlight your latest accomplishments and successes.
If you have started a new job, taken on a new role, or opened your agency, we would love to learn about your journey and progress. We are also eager to know more about you, your hobbies, and your interests outside of work such as:
- Other career paths that influence your work
- Professional areas of interest
- AICP certification or other credentials (e.g., LEED, PMP, GISP, etc.)
- Hobbies/Interests outside of your professional work
We always value our members’ backgrounds and achievements, and we would be thrilled to know more about your education and any special projects you’ve worked on in your field. Your contributions are pivotal to our community; we want to hear your unique voice.
- Education
- Interesting projects you have worked on recently
- The most interesting thing about being a planner
Please take a moment to share a little bit about yourself with us by completing our Who’s Where Submittal Form. If you have any issues with this online form, please contact communications@norcal.org. We are excited to get to know you better and look forward to hearing from you soon!”
