Lloyd Alter investigates the individuals and organizations "manufacturing" the anti-Agenda 21 campaign, and argues that "Big Oil" is helping to bankroll anti-sustainability efforts.
Although the anti-Agenda 21 rhetoric has made waves in the media, and in state and local governments across America, Robin Rather of Collective Strength,
who commissioned a recent survey for the APA that showed the majority of Americans don't know enough about it and only 6% oppose it, believes "the Agenda 21
phenomenon is highly manufactured. It's not out there in the
mainstream."
So who is responsible for leading the charge? Alter points to organizations such as the John Birch Society, American Policy Center, Americans for Prosperity, and Freedom Advocates as directing the Agenda 21 conspiracy campaign.
For Alter, it is, "clear that the anti-agenda 21, anti-sustainability movement
is punching way above its weight in terms of public awareness and
support. It's not a grass roots movement of concerned local activists,
but, as Robin Rather puts it, 'a brilliant campaign, preying on real
fears that people have' about their homes and property."
FULL STORY: Exposing the Influence Behind the Anti-Agenda 21 Anti-Sustainability Agenda
Tea Partiers Try to Halt Indy Transit Vote
As the Indiana Senate begins to consider whether to allow residents to vote on a tax referendum to expand mass transit in Central Indiana, Tea Party-aligned groups are trying to derail the legislation.
Glenn Beck Plans His Ideal City
The conservative commentator has proposed a $2 billion "city-theme park hybrid" that "would bring several of Glenn’s seemingly disconnected projects into one place." You'll be surprised at the similarities with certain Smart Growth principles.
Are Planners the Victims of a Dastardly Mind-Control Plot?
If you've ever led a public planning process you may be complicit in perpetuating a diabolical conspiracy to coerce Americans into accepting "a United Nations-run communist dictatorship in which suburbanites will be forcibly relocated to cities."
Norman, Oklahoma Eliminates Parking Mandates
The city made a subtle, one-word change that frees up developers to build parking based on actual need and eliminates costly unnecessary parking.
Boston Transit Riders Report Safety Concerns
Almost three-quarters of current and former riders report feeling unsafe while using MBTA services.
Boston to Begin Zoning Code Update, Mayor Announces
It’s been nearly 60 years, but the city of Boston is finally ready to do a comprehensive rewrite of its zoning code.
Proposal Could Mandate Sidewalks as Part of Seattle Complete Streets
Almost a third of the city’s neighborhood streets lack sidewalks.
San Francisco Supervisors Punt Housing Ordinance
After hours of public comment, the zoning reform package aimed at increasing housing production and limiting red tape was delayed for further discussion.
Pittsburgh Launches Adaptive Bike Share Fleet
The new bikes include a recumbent bicycle and a front-loading cargo bike.
City of Stonecrest
City of Grand Junction Police Department
HUD's Office of Policy Development and Research
Washington University
Mpact: Mobility, Community, Possibility
National Capital Planning Commission
City of Culver City
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.
