Aaron Harris is an engineer, educator, and urban advocate passionate about how cities shape our lives. With a background in mechanical engineering and computer science from the University of Southern California, he worked on research projects including studying traffic flows and reducing bottlenecks on LA’s freeways. After ten years in the tech industry, data and systems analysis are his hammer and chisel to craft stories that delve into the deeper mechanics behind the way things work, with user journeys as his guide. Growing up in the Southwest, he witnessed firsthand the explosive growth of the sun belt, along with the mounting challenges of affordability, infrastructure, and sustainability. An advocate for environmental stewardship, Aaron is Climate Reality trained and has served as a sustainability ambassador for his company, championing initiatives that drive positive change for our planet. As an Eagle Scout, he spent countless nights under the stars in the Mojave Desert, developing a deep appreciation for the region’s natural beauty and a keen awareness of its fragility. That love of exploration has taken him across the world—he’s biked from Seattle to Portland, backpacked through Europe, and even traveled through southern Africa on two wheels. His experiences living in and studying cities around the world have shaped his perspective on what makes places thrive—and what holds them back. A lover of hiking, backpacking, and kayaking, Aaron’s experiences navigating diverse terrains have shaped his perspective on the importance of thoughtful urban design that connects people to both community and nature. With his heart set on inspiring a new vision for cities -- Aaron Harris is on a mission to challenge assumptions about growth and reimagine urban spaces where people can truly thrive.
