I teach a master’s level course at Hunter College that prepares students for the contemporary work environment by focusing on the critical importance of communications to every aspect of urban policy and planning. Students develop an understanding of strategic comms through practical, hands-on content creation exercises. This work is then used in the context of a real-world development or policy initiative. Working in teams, students interact with professionals who are implementing a project or program. Students come away with an understanding of how communications can influence policy, as well as how to mediate the competing interests of the public and private sectors, particularly related to financial constraints and social value goals.
