Planning Reaches the Tipping Point

MCP student Jeff Tiell says that everyday people finally understand that urban planning is important and interesting, indicating a popularization of, and a deep need for, planning methods and techniques.

1 minute read

January 26, 2011, 12:00 PM PST

By Tim Halbur


Tiell writes:

"Planners, to appropriate the sociologist's C. Wright Mills language, translate personal troubles into public issues. Moreover, they help individuals and communities communicate and develop visions for the future based upon shared interests, values, and norms. In a time and place where the prospect of the future seems uncertain, unsettling and even frightening at times, the expertise that planners bring is needed more than ever. In this context, a perfect storm of factors is contributing to an auspicious growth for the field."

Tiell sums up some recent academic thought on approaches to community involvement, as well as the market for planning PhDs.

Wednesday, January 26, 2011 in Next American City

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

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