Hello! My name is Isabella Piedrasanta and I am a student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, majoring in psychology and minoring in sustainability and legal studies. I was born and raised in Worcester, MA, and have witnessed first hand how the city has been changing in recent years. I have lived in all different areas and communities across the city and this has allowed me to see and understand how important urban planning is. Urban planning can help unite communities and support sustainable practices when done well, but it is imperative that we ensure these movements are done equitably so that all members of the community are able to enjoy the benefits of sustainability. Understanding what the City of Worcester is doing to uplift the community and create a sustainable and equitable environment is an area I am beyond passionate about and by furthering people’s understanding we can address areas that still need work and continue to make meaningful changes.
Hello! My name is Derek Lacen and I am a student at the University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, majoring in psychology. I was born in Puerto Rico, but raised in New Bedford, MA. For cities to bring about new ideas change must take place. Worcester has begun to implement new ideas and with that causing Worcester as a whole to change. The city of Worcester has promised equity, inclusivity, and diversity through urban planning. Urban planning can be the perfect solution to becoming more sustainable but cities must be willing to implement every aspect of the plan and not just what seems beneficial. I believe it is of utmost importance that if Worcester will become more sustainable it is necessary that it truly takes into account everyone from the homeless to the rich to the middle-class. As the city of Worcester moves towards becoming more sustainable I am interested to know what kinds of opportunities will spring up. I am also interested in knowing how Worcester plans on bringing about transformative growth areas and how these will include everyone even those who historically have not been included.