Richard H. Carson

Some members of the New Urbanist listserv Pro-urb recently criticized Richard Carson for his writings about the rise of Urban Realism and the demise of New Urbanism. They asked him if there were any "serious, credible alternatives out there?" In this article Mr. Carson responds and proposes a radical alternative -- The Golden Mean.

Most planners disdain playing politics. Yet political astuteness was, and continues to be, a predominant characteristic of the field's pioneers and a prerequisite for achieving change.

Who sprawls the most? It depends on whose definition you use.

Richard Carson argues there's nothing new or innovative about "New Urbanism" or "Smart Growth." They're just new names for old strategies.

Being a planning director means you have to be a political animal. Richard Carson offers a no-holds barred look at what it takes to be a planning director -- and whether you want to.

The Chinese communists used totalitarian power to try to perfect the most centralized land use planning system in modern history. Their failure provides lessons for planners. Richard Carson contrasts state-mandated land use planning in Oregon and Washington.

When should planners speak up over objections of principle, and when should they simply follow orders? Richard Carson offers advice for three situations planners may face on the job.

Growth management is only slowing the eventual demise of the modern city. Richard Carson proposes starting over and offers his criteria for "New Towns."

Architects, engineers and lawyers have professional certifications. Planners have the AICP. But does it matter? Richard Carson argues that it will hurt your planning career.

Why did Oregon voters pass Measure 7? Citizens were tired of heavy-handed government planners.