Today, the American Planning Association (APA) released the findings of their 2012 national poll of Americans' opinions on planning. The results should have planners feeling warm and fuzzy inside.
Despite what recent news may have led you to believe, a resounding 79% of Americans support community planning, while two-thirds of poll respondents believe their community needs more planning.
These are amongst the affirming findings of the APA's recent poll, which was conducted, "to better understand what Americans think planners' priorities should be in light of several trends including local government budget tightening; a decline in private sector investment; significant new federal investment in planning grants to sustain communities; and attempts by a small but vocal minority of the country's electorate to obstruct local planning and community engagement activities."
Other findings to note are that planners are seen as "key leaders" in supporting local economic recovery, with respondents wanting them to focus primarily on creating jobs in their communities -- followed by safety, schools, protecting neighborhoods, and water quality.
A majority of Americans support using "scarce tax resources" for planning, and a "majority want to be personally involved with community planning efforts, whether they live in an city, suburb, small town, or rural America," notes APA Chief Executive Officer Paul Farmer, FAICP.
FULL STORY: Planning in America: Perceptions and Priorities
Bay Area Planners Acknowledge the Need for Regional Housing Solutions
While most Bay Area communities are pursuing housing solutions "individually," local planners acknowledge the need for strategies that address the regional as a unified whole.
A Transit Agency Showdown, and You Have the Power to Choose the Winner
It's a popularity contest, sure, but it's our popularity contest.
2019 Conferences in Planning and Design
An annual sampling of professional development conferences in the coming year for planning and design professionals, by L.A. County Planner Clement Lau.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
Maui's Vacation Rental Debate Turns Ugly
Verbal attacks, misinformation campaigns and fistfights plague a high-stakes debate to convert thousands of vacation rentals into long-term housing.
Restaurant Patios Were a Pandemic Win — Why Were They so Hard to Keep?
Social distancing requirements and changes in travel patterns prompted cities to pilot new uses for street and sidewalk space. Then it got complicated.
In California Battle of Housing vs. Environment, Housing Just Won
A new state law significantly limits the power of CEQA, an environmental review law that served as a powerful tool for blocking new development.
Boulder Eliminates Parking Minimums Citywide
Officials estimate the cost of building a single underground parking space at up to $100,000.
Orange County, Florida Adopts Largest US “Sprawl Repair” Code
The ‘Orange Code’ seeks to rectify decades of sprawl-inducing, car-oriented development.
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.
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
JM Goldson LLC
Custer County Colorado
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
Jefferson Parish Government
Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Claremont