Richard W. Willson

Richard Willson FAICP is a professor in the Department of Urban and Regional Planning at Cal Poly Pomona. Dr. Willson's research on planning theory and practice and career development is exemplified by his books Reflective Planning Practice: Theory, Cases, and Methods (2021, Routledge) and A Guide for the Idealist: Launching and Navigating Your Planning Career (2018, Routledge). The books draws on 35 years of experience in teaching, research and planning practice. Dr. Willson also writes a blog on idealism in planning for the American Planning Association called Launching You Planning Career: A Guide for Idealists.

Dr. Willson's work in transportation planning addresses parking policy, climate change mitigation, land/use transportation relationships, travel demand management, and transit-oriented development. He is the author of Parking Reform Made Easy (2013) and Parking Management for Smart Growth (2015), published by Island Press. Dr. Willson consults with regional and local transportation agencies, such as the Bay Area Rapid Transit District and developers of urban infill projects.

Dr. Willson holds a Ph.D. in urban planning from the University of California, Los Angeles, a Masters of Planning from the University of Southern California, A Bachelors of Environmental Studies in Planning from the University of Waterloo, and is a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners.