Building the Future of LA Transit with Ali Mir, West Regional Planning Lead, Senior Vice President Episode 160

Episode notes

What does it really take to transform the way Los Angeles moves—and who gets to design the future of our city's transit? In this episode of The Future Of Work podcast, host Salvatrice Cummo sits down with Ali Mir, Senior Vice President and West Regional Planning Lead (WSP) and a leader in regional planning, to uncover the stories and strategies behind LA's public transit evolution. From his own transformative experience as a student riding every mode on the LA Metro—and realizing just how diverse and essential ridership is—to incorporating solution-based innovation related to equity, accessibility, and community-driven design, Ali Mir brings a personal and expert perspective to the future of mobility. Together, they explore how major projects like the LAX Airport Metro Connector are redefining connectivity for a global city, why goods movement through Southern California's ports is a national concern, and what it will take for students and emerging talent to see themselves in careers shaping our infrastructure. Whether you're a student, policymaker, or transit enthusiast, this episode invites you to imagine—and help build—a more inclusive, resilient future of work and mobility.