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
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.
How Agenda 21 Trumps Planning
Agenda 21, a nonbinding United Nations resolution signed in 1992 by 170 world leaders, was developed to encourage "sustainable development." Now it’s a political talking point that kills planning efforts all over the country.
Advice on Responding To Tea Party Members Critical of Smart Growth
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Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Chicago’s Ghost Rails
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Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail
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Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power
Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.
MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns
MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.
Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant
A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.
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.
Caltrans
City of Fort Worth
Mpact (founded as Rail~Volution)
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
City of Portland
City of Laramie