SMART Inclusion Podcast: Episode 2 - Community Benefits & Justice 40 with Dr. Jeffrey Lowe

In this episode of the SMART Inclusion podcast, host Todd Q. Adams sits down with Dr. Jeffrey Lowe, Associate Professor in the Department of Urban Planning and Environmental Policy at Texas Southern University. Together, they explore the deep connection between urban planning and equity economics, focusing on how thoughtful urban development can drive social justice in underserved communities.

Dr. Lowe shares his personal journey from Howard University to becoming a leading expert in urban planning and environmental justice. The discussion dives into the transformative impact of the Justice 40 Initiative and how affordable housing, energy efficiency, and AI intersect to create more sustainable, resilient communities.

[00:00] Introduction - Todd Q. Adams introduces urban planning’s link to equity economics in energy transition.
[01:30] Guest Introduction: Dr. Jeffrey Lowe shares his background and role at Texas Southern University.
[03:15] Dr. Lowe’s Journey into Urban Planning 
[05:45] The Intersection of Urban Planning and Social Justice 
[08:10] The Justice 40 Initiative 
[10:45] Affordable Housing and Artificial Intelligence 
[13:20] Distributed Energy Generation and Benefits
[17:00] Public Health and Urban Planning Exploring 
[19:00] The Role of Urban Planners in Energy Transition
[21:00] Conclusion 

Resources:
Dr. Jeffrey Lowe - https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffrey-lowe-38234b6/
American Planning Association - https://www.planning.org/
Brookings - Quality. Independence. Impact. - https://www.brookings.edu/
@SavingPlaces | National Trust for Historic Preservation - https://savingplaces.org/
Justice40 Initiative | Environmental Justice | The White House -https://www.whitehouse.gov/environmentaljustice/justice40/
Home | Urban Land Institute - https://uli.org/