A Shift of Attention to Local Planning Policies by the Tea Party Becomes National News

The 'lamestream media' picks up the story of Tea Party activists railing against efforts to control sprawl and conserve energy.

1 minute read

February 6, 2012, 8:00 AM PST

By Jonathan Nettler @nettsj


In The New York Times, Leslie Kaufman and Kate Zernike report on efforts by activists associated with the Tea Party movement to block smart growth and green policies in states, cities, and town across the country. The activists see a grand conspiracy organized by the United Nations to 'deny property rights and herd citizens toward cities.'

And it's not just fringe elements that buy into the conspiracy. In January, the Republican National Committee passed a resolution proclaiming that, "The United Nations Agenda 21 plan of radical so-called ‘sustainable development' views the American way of life of private property ownership, single family homes, private car ownership and individual travel choices, and privately owned farms; all as destructive to the environment."

"'It sounds a little on the weird side, but we've found we ignore it at our own peril,' said George Homewood, a vice president of the American Planning Association's chapter in Virginia."

Friday, February 3, 2012 in The New York Times

courses user

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges. Corey D, Transportation Planner

As someone new to the planning field, Planetizen has been the perfect host guiding me into planning and our complex modern challenges.

Corey D, Transportation Planner

Ready to give your planning career a boost?

Commercial street in small rural U.S. town with storefronts and clocktower.

Progressive Planning in Ideologically Conservative Communities

Planners must work in diverse political environments including conservative jurisdictions that are skeptical of new issues and perspectives. Here are ways to reconcile conflicting goals.

November 7, 2024 - Todd Litman

Amtrak Coast Starlight passenger train passing over bridge in Altamont Pass, California.

Amtrak Expanding Service in California’s Central Valley

Amtrak is planning a major expansion to the passenger rail lines connecting the Central Valley and the Bay Area.

November 4, 2024 - The Modesto Bee

Aerial view of downtown Lexington, Kentucky.

Lexington, Kentucky Passes Urban Growth Plan

The city’s new master plan sets out requirements for mixed-use development.

November 6, 2024 - The Lexington Times

Senior woman sitting inchair looking out large window at golden hour in Broomes Island, Maryland.

Homelessness Among Maryland Seniors Rose 77 Percent Since 2018

The high cost of housing is pushing many older adults into homelessness, while shelters are not equipped to address their specific needs.

8 seconds ago - Maryland Matters

People walking and on bikes on paved multiuse path in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, New York City.

New Yorkers Face New Climate Risks

A two-acre fire in a city park prompted city officials to ban grilling while urging residents to conserve water to limit the impact of a historic drought.

1 hour ago - Smart Cities Dive

View of traffic on San Diego freeway.

Opinion: Why Linking Driving to GDP Misses the Point

The argument that car-centric development is good because it boosts national GDP ignores the massive costs of driving to everyday Americans.

November 13 - Streetsblog USA

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.