If we as planners don't do better in defining ourselves, we risk being seen as irrelevant and superfluous, writes Leonardo Vazquez in this week's Planetizen Op-Ed.
If planners do the same things that other professionals do, why do we need them?
Planners have the power to shape perceptions and expectations of urban growth and development. We are often the hub of a large network of community organizations, developers, businesses, policymakers and public managers. The greatest strength a planner has is not in doing demographic projections or cost-benefit analyses, but in influencing the hearts and minds of all actors in urban growth.
Thanks to Chris Steins
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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.