Beyond Streets

From Ideas to implementation to Impact: Julia Thayne on Climate + City Innovation and Community Power

The Mobility Podcast Season 1 Episode 4

In this episode of Beyond Streets, we’re joined by Julia Thayne — economist, urbanist, and co-founder of Two Degrees and Rising. Julia’s career has spanned public, private, and nonprofit sectors, all driven by one clear mission: turning bold ideas into real-world impact.

We dive into her journey from Ernst & Young to Siemens to LA Mayor Garcetti's office, the founding of Urban Movement Labs, and now her latest venture building global clean tech partnerships. We unpack what it really takes to accelerate systems change — from policy sandboxes to third-space innovation — and why community engagement must evolve beyond checkboxes and into real collaboration and co-ownership.

Tune in for an honest, optimistic conversation about reinventing how we build cities, scale climate solutions, and actually get things done.

🔗 Learn more at Two Degrees and Rising

Reach out with questions, ideas, and feedback: team@beyondstreets.org

Keep up with us on LinkedIn:

www.beyondstreets.org