FERNANDO DE ARAGON

The future of Ithaca, NY is guided by the knowledge and disciplined thinking of Fernando de Aragon, and he understands the engaging potential of podcars. He will bring his perspectives and insights to PCC9 (Nov 4-6, Silicon Valley). The 2nd Podcar City conference was held in Ithaca in 2008 before a podcar feasibility study was undertaken there.

Intelligence center for the Ithaca-Tompkins Co. Transportation Council

Fernando is MPO director for this small oasis of urban life. Ithaca is located at the southern end of a NYS Finger Lake and home to Cornell University, Ithaca College and other lively institutions. It is known as a cool, happening place with both traditional and counter cultures. MPO stands for Metropolitan Planning Organization, public agencies that coordinate transportation investments, hopefully in synch with community land use objectives.

With roots in Puerto Rico and early years in southern Florida, de Aragon has worked in Ithaca seventeen years. Topography and special demographics make it challenging to meet current needs and future goals. He studied city and regional planning at Rutgers University in New Jersey and has a PhD in energy management and policy from the University of Pennsylvania. He recently published a novel about the Spanish conquests in the Caribbean.

Come meet him and understand what MPOs are all about at PCC9.