Alumni Spotlight: Graham Zickefoose, MURP ’23

Graham Zickefoose’s journey to urban planning began in an unexpected place: YouTube. After earning his bachelor’s degree from the University of Idaho in 2018 and working as a content writer in Boise, Graham found himself searching for a career that truly called to him. It was through watching videos from the popular City Beautiful channel that he discovered the fascinating world of city planning.

“I decided to look a little bit more into what it would take to become a city planner myself,” Graham recalls. “Once I found out that I had that interest, then I had a reason to go back to school that I knew would lead me to a career that I wanted.”

This discovery led Graham to Eastern Washington University’s Master of Urban and Regional Planning (MURP) program, where he graduated in 2023. As of summer 2025, he serves as an Associate Planner 1 with Spokane County Planning, applying the technical skills and comprehensive understanding he gained at EWU to real-world planning challenges.

From Student to Professional

Graham’s transition from graduate student to practicing planner was supported by the strong foundation he built at EWU. The program’s emphasis on technical skills, particularly Geographic Information Systems (GIS), has proven invaluable in his daily work. “I received technical skills that I apply almost daily at my job, particularly when it comes to GIS,” Graham explains. “Learning how to use GIS software to make data-driven planning decisions was one of the best skillsets I retained from EWU’s planning program.”

Even as a graduate student, Graham was already gaining practical experience in the field. He worked part-time as a planning assistant in Spokane’s Planning and Economic Development Department while completing his degree, giving him hands-on exposure to municipal planning processes. His commitment to financial independence—a value he developed growing up in a middle-class family in Boise, Idaho—drove him to fully support himself through graduate school via assistantships and part-time work.

The Spokane Advantage

Graham credits Spokane’s unique planning environment as a significant asset to his education and career development. The region offers students multiple pathways to gain real-world experience while still in school. “There are several planning offices, both public and private sector, as well as several smaller jurisdictions that can offer students real-world planning opportunities while they are still students in the form of internships, temporary work positions or studio projects,” he notes. “All of these are great resume builders, and help students form connections and networks that last into their career.”

This networking opportunity has proven particularly valuable in Graham’s current role. Working at Spokane County Planning, he frequently collaborates with planners from various jurisdictions—many of whom he first met as a student. “I know and have worked with many of the planners at the City of Spokane, the City of Medical Lake, and various private sector planners that I initially met as a student,” Graham says. “Even employed at Spokane County, having worked with planners elsewhere and understanding their roles and responsibilities makes interjurisdictional and consultant coordination much smoother.”

A New Perspective on Planning

The MURP program fundamentally changed how Graham approaches planning challenges. Rather than expecting simple solutions, he learned to navigate the inherent complexity of the planning process. “EWU’s program prepared me for how complex and multifaceted the planning process is,” Graham reflects. “Rarely is there a simple solution to a planning ‘problem.’ However, if I can expect this to be the case, I can prepare myself to contend with unforeseen challenges and roadblocks to the planning process.”

This preparation has served him well in his current role, where he tackles diverse planning issues across Spokane County’s varied communities and landscapes.

Looking Forward

Graham’s career aspirations extend beyond his current position. He hopes to eventually become a planning director, where he can take on leadership roles in improving living conditions in cities and communities. His journey from content writer to urban planner demonstrates the power of discovering one’s passion and pursuing it with dedication.

For current students and recent graduates, Graham’s story illustrates the value of hands-on experience, professional networking, and technical skill development. His success in transitioning from student to professional planner while maintaining financial independence serves as an inspiring example of what’s possible with determination and the right educational foundation.

As Graham continues to build his career in planning, he remains grounded in the practical skills and comprehensive understanding of planning processes that he developed at EWU—skills that serve him well in addressing the complex challenges facing Spokane County and its communities.

Graham’s story was originally featured in CNBC’s Millennial Money series in 2022, highlighting his careful financial planning and budgeting skills as a graduate student in Spokane. His commitment to fiscal responsibility and professional development continues to guide his career in urban planning.