Michael Podgers (he/him)

Michael Podgers has a diverse and extensive work experience. Michael is currently serving as the Policy Lead at Better Streets Chicago, where they support grassroots advocacy for equitable transportation options and leads campaigns such as #PlowTheSidewalks. Previously, they worked at AIDS Foundation of Chicago as a Housing Program Manager, where they successfully advocated for policy changes and managed subsidized housing programs. Additionally, they have worked as a Freelance Journalist, writing for various publications including Curbed Chicago. Michael also has experience in the service industry, working as a Bartender at LKH MANAGEMENT. In the field of urban planning, they worked as an Editorial Assistant at the American Planning Association and as a Research Assistant at the Metropolitan Planning Council. Prior to that, they interned at Lakeview Chamber of Commerce as an Urban Planning Intern. Michael has also worked as a US English Teaching Assistant at Fulbright Austria and as a Program Facilitator at Sex Out Loud. Before that, they gained experience as a columnist for The Daily Cardinal, covering various topics including social justice and sustainable living. Overall, Michael Podgers has demonstrated a range of skills and experiences in advocacy, program management, journalism, and urban planning throughout their work history.

Michael Podgers has a diverse education history. Michael completed their Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in History with Honors and German at the University of Wisconsin-Madison from 2010 to 2014. During the academic year 2012 to 2013, they pursued non-degree studies at The University of Freiburg, focusing on History and German.

In 2016, Michael enrolled in the University of Illinois Chicago, where they obtained a Masters in Urban Planning and Policy with a specialization in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning. Michael successfully completed this program in 2018. Additionally, in 2017 and 2018, they earned a Certificate in Geospatial Visualization and Analysis from the same university.

Prior to their university studies, Michael attended Lane Tech College Prep from 2006 to 2010; however, no information about a specific degree or field of study is mentioned for this period.