A post for the Market Urbanism website says planning is entering Season Three with no guarantees it will catch on with audiences.
Nolan Gray ponders a question that might be keeping you at night: "Why is it that the only representation of city planning in popular culture over the past 25 years was such a sad, cynical man?"
The planner Gray speaks of is Mark Brendanawicz, a character from early episodes of the beloved show Parks and Recreation. "It’s conspicuous that even in a show so sympathetic to local government, the city planner remains a cynical, somewhat unlikable character," adds Gray.
Gray's analysis of the big, anxiety-inducing question about Parks and Recreation really breaks down into two questions: "First, are planners in fact jaded? And second, why would the show’s audience be so comfortable with having planners presented this way?"
The article traces a history of the profession before producing a call for a new, "liberal conception" of the planner.
FULL STORY: The Disillusionment of the American Planner, or How We Became Mark Brendanawicz
Seeking Public Input on Regional and Rural Park Needs
As part of a study, the Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation is conducting a survey to better understand the use of facilities like beaches, natural areas, open spaces, regional parks, trails, and local parks in rural areas.
Budget Cuts Will Severely Impact Park Agencies
A recent survey by the National Recreation and Park Association reveals that many park agencies are deferring or canceling maintenance and capital projects.
AICP Certification Maintenance Program to Include Equity Requirement
Two new mandatory topic areas will be required of AICP members to maintain professional certification.
Seattle Legalizes Co-Living
A new state law requires all Washington cities to allow co-living facilities in areas zoned for multifamily housing.
NYC Officials Announce Broadway Pedestrianization Project
Two blocks of the marquee street will become mostly car-free public spaces.
The City of Broken Sidewalks
Can Los Angeles fix 4,000 miles of broken sidewalks before the city hosts the 2028 Olympic Games?
Why Some Affordable Housing Managers Are Running Education Programs
Many housing organizations are finding that educational programs are a logical — and valuable — addition to their offerings.
Anchorage Bus Depot to Reopen
After a four-year closure, a downtown Anchorage transit center will once again provide indoor waiting areas and services for bus travelers.
Mapping a Greener Future: Cal Poly Tackles Urban Canopy Challenges
Cal Poly, in partnership with Cal Fire, is leading the development of California’s new Strategic Plan for Urban Forestry, combining advanced data tools and interdisciplinary collaboration to expand tree canopy cover.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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American Planning Association, Sustainable Communities Division
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
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Rockdale County Board of Commissioners