Since his first time riding a city bus in kindergarten, Fort Wayne native James Rinehart has been drawn to transit. Little did he know his boy-hood passion for transit would turn into a career. James discovered planning after earning a bachelor’s degree in history at IPFW in Fort Wayne, IN when a former professor suggested he consider studying it in grad school. He went on to earn a Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning from Ball State University. Here’s some Q&A so you can get to know him better.

Hobbies?

Hiking, cycling and cooking, camping with my wife and two sons

Pets?

One dog, Molly; and one cat, Charlotte.

Heroes growing up?

I admired my undergraduate advisor. He was a world-renowned scholar in his field, but very humble and approachable. I appreciated that the most about him.

Favorite place to visit or vacation?

Favorite places to visit have been Germany and Ireland, but my wife and I love going anywhere there is great hiking, especially in Fall.

Most underappreciated aspect of planning?

Data analysis is a really important part of planning that does not always get the recognition it should. Design and policy are routinely taught in planning school without a lot of emphasis on quantitative analysis. Data helps inform policy makers and design experts about the planning needs of a community.

Most important recent trend in planning?

The return to more urban neighborhoods has been an important trend in recent years. The trend has led to investments in alternative modes of transportation (trails, multi-use paths, better transit), as well as economic development opportunities in urban areas.

What is the best-planned city in America?

What draws me to a city is its transit system. So, Chicago, Boston and Washington, D.C., are three of my favorite large well-planned cities.

If you could change one thing about the way Indianapolis has grown over the years, what would it be?

The disinvestment in transit is what I would change. There were several decades where Indianapolis reduced the transit network. I’m glad it’s being addressed now.

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