Carrie Gartner

Carrie Gartner

I love to write about cities but even better, I like to hang out in them.

Growing up in Southern California a common question was, “Are you a beach person or a mountain person?” My response was usually, “I’m more of a central business district person.”

I taught college for a while and then ran political campaigns until I realized I could turn my love of cities into a vocation. I established a Community Improvement District in our downtown. Known as The District, it’s a live/work/play neighborhood that sparks the creative, the eclectic, and the local. Now I’m running The Loop CID and helping create a corridor of learning opportunities, creative endeavors, and economic engines—all with the same get-it-done attitude The Loop is known for. I’m a jack-of-all-trades so I handle everything from city planning and economic development to marketing and advocacy.

I occasionally teach at a local college with an emphasis on communication skills and public speaking. My boyfriend and I live in a historic bungalow located on a bike boulevard and when we’re not fixing it up, we can usually be found biking into downtown to work or play.

Favorite city
Claremont, California is right up at the top of my list, but it’s fun trying to decide.

Best talent
Analyzing a complex issue and communicating it to the public.

Big Dream
Lashing my bike onto the back of a teardrop trailer and hitting all the National Parks.

Little Dream
Buying a commuter bike to ride to work. (Mission accomplished!)

Lastest Podcast
Slate’s Political Gabfest.

Favorite quote
“There’s no reason this can’t be fun.”