MPA Spotlight: Lydia Barker
My name is Lydia Barker and in 2023, I earned a BS in Sustainable Built Environments from the University of Arizona's College of Architecture and Landscape Architecture. My undergraduate studies focused on policy and design that improve transportation safety for bicyclists, pedestrians, and public transit users. Currently, I am in the Master of Public Administration program in the School of Government and Public Policy.
During my first year as an MPA student, I completed a year-long internship with the City of Tucson’s Department of Transportation and Mobility where I had the opportunity to work closely with communities across Tucson to assist in delivering voter-approved projects presented in the City's transportation master plan called Move Tucson. Upon completing this internship in October 2024, I was hired as a full-time planner for the City of Tucson’s Planning and Programming Division where I manage the City's Shared Spaces and Free Bike Rack programs and coordinate the Transportation and Mobility Department's Safe Routes to School and Public Art programs in collaboration with community partners. I am proud to showcase Art in Motion: Tugo Bike Wraps, a project that contributed to Tucson's growing public art collection while highlighting and increasing the accessibility of the City's bike share network. In my time working for the City, and throughout my career, I hope to continue facilitating projects like these to engage young community members, support public art, and secure funding to enhance active transportation networks.
As an MPA student at the University of Arizona, there are many great opportunities to explore different fields, connect with local and state government organizations, and to understand the endless functions of government and non-profits. I am grateful to the faculty who encourage out-of-the-box thinking and allow students to engage in various fields of interest through course deliverables. As I prepare for graduation, I hope that I am lucky enough to work alongside any of the incredibly devoted graduates who are dedicating their careers to public service.