For Dummies, the ubiquitous reference series, has recently released its first book dedicated entirely to Urban Planning. Planetizen spoke recently with author Jordan Yin about the book, its audience, and what he hopes to provide for readers.
The release last month of the digital version of Urban Planning For Dummies, and its impending release in paperback next month, is a sure sign that planning is entering the mainstream consciousness. And for author Jordan Yin, currently a faculty member of the Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University, the appearance of the book is a direct response to "rising consumer demand for planning."
Dr. Yin, who has worked throughout the Rust Belt in the areas of community development, affordable housing, and environmental conservation, approached the book with the hope of reaching out to a general audience who might be interested in the topic, and who "is at the door, and has maybe decided to ring the doorbell...we want to welcome them in."
According to Dr. Yin, a resulting challenge in writing the guide was to explain the often complex issues and terms that planners deal with "in words that are going to reach as many people as possible without making it so simplistic that it's no longer useful."
Fitting with the For Dummies "how-to" ethos, Dr. Yin intends the book to serve as both an introduction to the field and as a guide for those wanting to get involved in planning processes in their communities. In providing a broad based overview of the field and real-world examples, Dr. Yin's goal is to "deliver an understanding that is practical, that can be applied, and generates interest," with the intention of inspiring the novice reader that, "if you took every best practice in the book and applied it to your town, you would have the coolest city ever."
Efforts over the past several decades to open planning processes to increasing public participation have created an ensuing need for more informed participants, and Urban Planning for Dummies certainly helps to meet this need. For Dr. Yin, the overarching theme of the book is "'come join us' and 'you can do it.' And, on one hand that fits with the kind of book that it is, but it also fits with Planning."
FULL STORY: Urban Planning For Dummies
San Diego to Rescind Multi-Unit ADU Rule
The city wants to close a loophole that allowed developers to build apartment buildings on single-family lots as ADUs.
Has President Trump Met His Match?
Doug Ford, the no-nonsense premier of Canada's most populous province, Ontario, is taking on Trump where it hurts — making American energy more expensive.
Study: London ULEZ Rapidly Cleaning up Air Pollution
Expanding the city’s ultra low-emission zone has resulted in dramatic drops in particle emissions in inner and outer London.
San Jose Mayor Takes Dual Approach to Unsheltered Homeless Population
In a commentary published in The Mercury News, Mayor Matt Mahan describes a shelter and law enforcement approach to ending targeted homeless encampments within Northern California's largest city.
Atlanta Changes Beltline Rail Plan
City officials say they are committed to building rail connections, but are nixing a prior plan to extend the streetcar network.
Are Black Mayors Being Pushed Out of Office?
The mayors of New York, St. Louis, and Pittsburgh all stand to lose their seats in the coming weeks. They also all happen to be Black.
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.
Resource Assistance for Rural Environments
City of Edmonds
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
UCLA Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies
City of Piedmont, CA
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research