So what exactly is "sustainability"? Well, then, how about "civic engagement"? "smart growth”? Bill Barnes of the National League of Cities says that planning is overrun by verbiage with vague definitions, to the detriment of the process.
"What are the consequences of this vagueness and multiplicity of meanings?" writes Barnes.
"One is that conversation is rendered meaningless; we all merely talk to ourselves. So, everyone can be enthusiastic about 'sustainability,' and everyone is dissatisfied with the action that ensues because it's not what they meant."
"Civic engagement" is another term Barnes says is too loosey-goosey, as well as "smart growth".
Thanks to Bill Barnes
Read the full story: We Don't know What We're Talking About
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City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
University of Michigan School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS)
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
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Montrose County
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