As cities become more interconnected and regionalized, policymakers need data to help them make sound decisions across their region. Luckily for us, researchers from UC Irvine's School of Social Ecology are providing exactly that type of pathbreaking research. In this episode of The City Square, Brian sits down with Dr. John Hipp and Dr. Kevin Kane, two of UC Irvine's finest scholars working on the Metropolitan Futures Initiative (MFI for short). What's the MFI? The MFI is cutting edge research focusing on different dimensions of the SoCal region, and the consequences for neighborhoods in the region. Interested about economic development, job density, or housing trends? Then the MFI (and this episode!) are for you!