Unraveling the Rubik’s Cube of City Planning: My Summer as a Planning Fellow

Before this summer, I pictured city planning as a straightforward process, a simple walk in the park leading to a beautifully laid out city. What I’ve come to realize, however, is that it’s far more like a complex Rubik’s Cube, where every twist and turn affects the whole, demanding careful thought to create a functioning, thriving city. Daily, we struggle with fundamental questions: What is the ultimate goal for our city? How do we achieve those aspirations amidst current and future development? What do our zoning ordinances truly allow, and how can we foster economic growth, stability, and enduring relevance? 

My name is Success T. Mulbah, and I’m a rising senior at Furman University, majoring in Sustainability Science with a minor in Data Analytics. Hailing from Monrovia, Liberia, my passion for sustainable development and urban planning led me to dream of a career in landscape architecture and urban planning. The burning question was, how could I truly dive into the planning world before graduating? 

That dream became a reality this summer. I landed my fellowship with the City of Travelers Rest Planning Department, working under the guidance of Planning Director Jay Martin. The moment I learned Jay is also a landscape architect, I was ecstatic! Learning from someone who bridges both worlds has been an enriching experience, solidifying my love for both landscape architecture and urban planning with each passing day.

My tasks have been diverse, allowing me to explore different parts of planning. I started with organization, arranging documents both online and in hard copy, a crucial foundation for city planning. I’ve attended City Planning Commission meetings, where new projects are proposed and zoning concerns are addressed. At these meetings, I help set up and, afterward, write up the meeting minutes, which is a summary of the meeting. 

My role extends beyond the office, taking me into the field to measure city roads to determine the number of light poles needed for sidewalks. I’ve helped put up public notices for new developments, ensuring community awareness and engagement. A significant part of my time involves exploring maps to identify new ways to connect the city, researching potential grants, and even learning how to create initial landscape architectural sketches. I’m particularly excited to soon dive into ArcGIS, a powerful tool for spatial analysis in the planning world. 

Travelers Rest is a truly unique city, guided by core values of smart growth, art and creativity, connectivity, and maintaining its small-town character. Through this internship, I’ve had the chance to explore local gems like the Swamp Rabbit Trail and the vibrant downtown area, and I’m genuinely impressed by the city’s commitment to these goals. This internship isn’t just about learning; it’s about actively contributing to the rewarding process of building a better city, one piece of the Rubik’s Cube at a time. 

 

I urge everyone to get involved with their local city planning by attending planning meetings and reading over their zoning ordinances, and most especially their city Master Plan, and getting involved. Again, my name is Success T. Mulbah, your future Landscape Architect and Urban planner.