By Vincent Yuzhe Ying, USC Master of Planning, 2016

METRANS Lunch with a Practitioner Series allows student the opportunity to meet and learn from active transportation practitioners in the field. This is the first of many.

On February 11, Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) Transportation Planning Manager Steven Mateer met with transportation students at the University of Southern California as the first guest speaker of the new METRANS Lunch with a Practitioner Series.

Mateer gave a comprehensive introduction of Metro and its major programs, such as 110 and 10 Express Lanes, the Crenshaw/LAX line project, and the last/first mile strategic plan Mateer leads. Mateer noted that technology is now becoming a crucial element in both supporting policy implementation and planning innovation. He foresees this trend to continue and encourages prospective planners to embrace it as a critical part of the planning practice.

Mateer cautioned students that various obstacles are to be expected when planning transportation projects, and that the final product may vary dramatically from a planner’s original vision. “As a modern planner,” Mateer noted, “we are more like deal makers who coordinate efforts and work to maximize the benefits among stakeholders and to keep projects moving.”  Often it is not possible to please all parties, and sometimes a less than optimal plan, in the opinion of the planner, is implemented. “A bad plan does not necessarily mean a bad planner,” he said. “Remember, we work in a political field.”

Mateer also shared his personal experience as a student intern as an example of the benefits of obtaining experience across fields. He said his career plan was initially to concentrate on real estate development.  However, internships in environmental services, economic and public consulting, and transportation lead him in a different direction. Mateer now regards that period of time as invaluable, and allowed him to be a well-rounded, comprehensive planner. He strongly encourages students to participate in varied internships and keep their minds and options open to a wide range of careers.

Mateer concluded with skills he recommended students acquire to enhance their marketability in a competitive transportation labor market. “Obtaining useful skills such as basic accounting, clear and concise writing, GIS and SPSS, and an understanding of politics and governance,” he advises “is invaluable in the increasingly complex field of transportation.”

Steven Mateer is an urban planner with experience in consulting, economic development, environment protection, redevelopment, urban design, and transportation. He currently works as a transportation planner with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro). Metro is unique among the nation’s transportation agencies. It serves as transportation planner and coordinator, designer, builder, and operator for one the country’s largest, most populous counties.

More information about Metro can be found at: www.metro.net

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