Daniella Fergusson believes that a case in Raleigh, North Carolina proves that some agencies use the professionalization of planning to promote "pay to play" policies.
In her post on PlanningPool.com, Fergusson describes the story of David Cox, a Raleigh resident who was accused of "practicing engineering without a license" after petitioning his local government to add two traffic signals in his neighborhood in response to an accident where a teenager was killed by a car.
From PlanningPool.com:
"By accusing people of "practicing engineering without a license" and encouraging citizen groups to hire engineers to express what they already know, it seems that the DOT is promoting a "pay to play" policy. In other words, in order for NORCHOA to have a conversation about traffic lights on the widening road, they have to hire an engineer to do the talking."
"The professionalization of planning takes away from citizens the voice to opine on good urban form," writes Fergusson.
FULL STORY: Citizen Activist accused of "practicing engineering without a license"

Trump Administration Could Effectively End Housing Voucher Program
Federal officials are eyeing major cuts to the Section 8 program that helps millions of low-income households pay rent.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions