James C. (Jim) O’Connell teaches in the City Planning-Urban Affairs Program at Boston University. His courses include “The Planning and Development of Metropolitan Boston” and “Global Cities: Through Boston’s Experience.” Jim writes about urban planning and history, particularly focusing on Boston and New England. His most recent books are Dining Out in Boston: A Culinary History (University Press of New England, 2016) and  The Hub’s Metropolis: Greater Boston’s Development from Railroad Suburbs to Smart Growth ( MIT Press, 2013). Jim gives urban walking tours of Greater Boston and is involved in community planning activities.