For communities or leaders reticent to buy into bold change, "selling change by the slice" through pilot projects can be a great way to get stakeholders on board with a larger vision. Otis White discusses two key components of pilot project success.
On a daily basis, planners in cities across America are trying to convince their citizens and leaders to embrace bold ways to transform their communities - from building new transportation systems to allowing higher density development.
As White describes, "pilot" or "demonstration" projects can be a great tool for testing ideas and getting people to buy into big change. "Selling change by the slice," writes White, "can
demonstrate the change and its benefits so everyone can see it. If it's
as successful as you expect, you'll dramatically lower the fear level,
and by the time you ask citizens and their leaders to accept the rest (a
built-out transit system, a mixed-use development in their
neighborhood, a new kind of recycling), it's less like a leap of faith
and more like a hop."
White goes on to detail the two key components of successful pilot projects: "First, you have to find a place willing to accept the
slice. Second, you have to make sure its success is so apparent that
opponents are, grudgingly, won over."
FULL STORY: Selling Change by the Slice

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.

Canada vs. Kamala: Whose Liberal Housing Platform Comes Out on Top?
As Canada votes for a new Prime Minister, what can America learn from the leading liberal candidate of its neighbor to the north?

Washington State’s Parking Reform Law Could Unlock ‘Countless’ Acres for New Housing
A law that limits how much parking cities can require for residential amd commercial developments could lead to a construction boom.

Wildlife Rebounds After the Eaton Fire
Following the devastation of the Eaton Fire, the return of wildlife and the regrowth of native plants are offering powerful signs of resilience and renewal.

LA to Replace Inglewood Light Rail Project With Bus Shuttles
LA Metro says the change is in response to community engagement and that the new design will be ready before the 2028 Olympic Games.
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.
Central Transportation Planning Staff/Boston Region MPO
Heyer Gruel & Associates PA
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Regional Transportation Commission of Southern Nevada
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions