How To Revitalize A Planning Department

Prior to the election of Anthony Williams as Mayor of Washington, D.C., the district's planning office was powerless and had dwindled to a staff of ten people. Three years later, the planning department has a staff of 70 people and a seat at the table, influencing not only the neighborhood planning, but also the implementation of the plans through construction. The Planning Report presents an interview with Andrew Altman, head of Washington, D.C.'s Planning Department, in which he outlines the keys to having a strong planning unit and the lessons learned for emulating his department's success in other cities.