Walkability is political | Anuela Ristani on Building Cities for People l HC E03 Ruchita Bansal

What happens when a city decides to put people — not cars — at the heart of urban planning?In this powerful episode of The Human City Podcast, host Ruchita Bansal speaks with Anuela Ristani, former Deputy Mayor of Tirana, Albania, who led one of Europe’s most ambitious transformations in walkability, child-friendly spaces, and sustainability.From pedestrianizing Tirana’s central square and car-free Sundays, to building 40 new schools, safe school streets, and neighborhood playgrounds, Anuela shares how political courage and community engagement can reshape a city.We also explore:Why urban planning is political — and why leaders must act boldly.How women at the decision-making table change city priorities.Lessons for India and other fast-growing cities on avoiding car-centric mistakes.Why maximizing public space is the ultimate principle for inclusive cities.If you’ve ever wondered what it takes for a mayor to put walkability and inclusivity at the core of governance, this episode is for you.Don’t forget to follow the show on Spotify, YouTube, and LinkedIn for more conversations with global leaders shaping the future of our cities.About the Host: The Human City Podcast is hosted by Ruchita Bansal, an accomplished urban planner and project management professional with 15+ years of experience. She has led multi-billion-dollar development projects and sustainable mobility programs across India, including her leadership role at the Ayodhya Development Authority.Ruchita is also the founder of SheCity India, a platform for gender-inclusive urban planning, storytelling, and data-driven advocacy.--------------------------About The Human City Podcast: This podcast brings together global voices and local insights to explore how cities can be made more inclusive, sustainable, and human-centered. Each episode uncovers what it takes to design cities that truly work for people.“The Human City Podcast is an initiative of SheCity India — building gender-inclusive, human-centered cities.”