Who Actually Runs Your City?

Ever wonder who decides what gets built in your city and why? This episode unpacks the real power structure behind urban development. We break down the difference between a master plan (the dream) and a zoning code (the bouncer at the door), and explore the distinct roles of the city manager, planning director, and city architect. From Oregon's strict consistency doctrine to the design authority of a European city architect, we look at how these roles vary across countries and how the political reality often clashes with the planning vision.