In the Stanford course URBANST 164: Sustainable Cities, students collaborate with Bay Area organizations on projects addressing issues like affordable housing and climate adaptation. The course, taught by urban planner and lecturer Rick Kos, aims to provide students with an understanding of urban sustainability through hands-on experience. Students apply classroom knowledge to real-world challenges identified by community partners.
The Mountain View Community Land Trust (MVCLT) is one such partner, working with the course for three consecutive years. This collaboration allows MVCLT continuity while offering new student cohorts meaningful engagement opportunities. Kos noted, “It’s been thrilling to watch successive teams of Stanford students become immediately passionate about supporting the MVCLT’s mission.”
This year, students translated key information into Spanish for MVCLT members navigating local government grants. Sustainable San Mateo County also partnered with the class on a project promoting plant-based food choices to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Students offered recommendations on emissions tracking and community outreach.
Acterra collaborated with students on expanding their Green@Home Tours program, which encourages homeowners to switch from gas appliances to electric ones. The City of Palo Alto Office of Sustainability engaged students in a heat mapping project targeting vulnerable communities.
Kos emphasized the importance of organization in these partnerships: “A successful partnership requires a high level of organization so that the students get a rich learning experience and the partners get research that directly advances their sustainability mission.”
Sustainable Cities is part of over 150 Cardinal Courses at Stanford supported by the Haas Center for Public Service. Kos described his role as bridging academia and professional practice, building upon foundations set by previous instructor Deland Chan.
Students gain workforce-readiness skills and contribute meaningfully to their communities through this course. Kos remarked, “It’s a classic win-win for the students and the partners alike.”
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