Andrew H. Whittemore contends that planners dismiss the far-fetched theories of a grand United Nations sustainability conspiracy at their own peril.
Responding to a piece that ran in The New York Times over the weekend, Whittemore points out planners should be aware that, "these events speak to deep-seeded conservative concerns about property rights, the planning process, and the paradigms guiding planning today." He also claims that, "a critique of sustainability from within the field is overdue."
Whittemore suggests that the mere denial of a conspiracy, as he contends the APA has advised, is counter-productive, and suggests ideas for engaging Agenda 21 in a more productive dialogue.
"Of course blight and unsustainable practices are problems, but planners can avoid conflict by being explicit about the most direct harms coming to residents and businesses, giving attention to local solutions, and certainly dropping the jargon."
FULL STORY: Why Planners Need to Take Agenda 21 Criticism More Seriously

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.

Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.

Driving Equity and Clean Air: California Invests in Greener School Transportation
California has awarded $500 million to fund 1,000 zero-emission school buses and chargers for educational agencies as part of its effort to reduce pollution, improve student health, and accelerate the transition to clean transportation.

Congress Moves to End Reconnecting Communities and Related Grants
The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee moved to rescind funding for the Neighborhood Equity and Access program, which funds highway removals, freeway caps, transit projects, pedestrian infrastructure, and more.

From Throughway to Public Space: Taking Back the American Street
How the Covid-19 pandemic taught us new ways to reclaim city streets from cars.
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