ULI’s Building Healthy Places Book Club: Right of Way

ULI’s Building Healthy Places Book Club is designed to spark thought and conversation around health, social equity, and real estate.

Our Winter title is Right of Way: Race, Class, and the Silent Epidemic of Pedestrian Deaths in America. Author Angie Schmitt explains how pedestrian deaths are not unavoidable “accidents.” They don’t happen because of jaywalking or distracted walking. They are predictable, occurring in stark geographic patterns that tell a story about systemic inequality. These deaths are often the forgotten faces of an increasingly urgent public-health crisis that we have the tools, but not the will, to solve.

Participation is free and requires registration. All registered participants receive a suggested reading schedule, weekly thought starters via email, and a link to attend all virtual meetups.

The Building Healthy Places Book Club is generously supported by ULI Foundation Governor Randall Lewis.

Book Club Kickoff, December 16, 4 pm ET
Help launch our next title, introduce yourself, and learn about the book we will read over the next seven weeks. Stay for a discussion regarding global approaches to healthy streets, equitable transport, and pedestrian safety.

Mid-Book Discussion Groups, January 13, 4 pm ET
Host Charles T. Brown (author of the book’s forward and transportation equity expert) will lead guided discussions designed for sharing reflections from the first few chapters.

Talk with the Author, February 3, 4 pm ET
Having finished the book, a talk and Q&A with author Angie Schmitt will challenge readers to imagine and demand safer and more equitable cities.

Weekly Thought Prompts
In weekly emails, Charles T. Brown will offer observations and questions to guide your reading. The emails will align with the suggested reading schedule.

• Participation is free with registration.
• Participants will receive a suggested reading schedule, links to access all virtual meetups, and weekly thought prompts via email.
• Each session is scheduled for 75 minutes and starts promptly at 4:00 pm ET.
• Reading the book is recommended but not required to participate.

SPEAKERS

Angie Schmitt

Angie Schmitt is one of the country’s best known writers and experts on the topic of sustainable transportation. She was the long-time national editor at Streetsblog and her writing has appeared in the New York Times, The Atlantic, Bicycling, GOOD, Landscape Architecture Magazine, and a number of other publications. She lives in Cleveland with her husband and two children. Follow Angie on Twitter: @schmangee

Charles T. Brown

Charles T. Brown, MPA is a self-proclaimed “street-level researcher” working at the intersection of transportation, health, and equity. He currently serves as a senior researcher with the Alan M. Voorhees Transportation Center (VTC) and adjunct professor at the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, both at Rutgers University. Mr. Brown’s work has been published in several international journals as well as featured in the New York Times, CityLab, NPR, and various other national and local media outlets. Mr. Brown serves as an advisor to ULI’s District Council Task Forces for Health and Social Equity. Follow Charles on Twitter: @ctbrown1911