What is the Purpose of Planning?
"What is the purpose of planning? The answer can be found in the 20th-century zoning and planning acts and the planner’s code of ethics. Both served the profession for more than a century. Planning allows for the orderly growth and development of communities. Planners faithfully protect the public interest. Planners shall seek social justice by working to expand choice and opportunity for all. Planners are guardians of our common future and plan for the needs of present and future generations. Planning was intended to focus on 'place' and 'people.'”
In recent years, though, the profession was buffeted by diminished resources, criticism from traditional allies, and a broadening property rights movement.
However, Silver contends that efforts initiated by the APA's leadership in 2011 to revitalize the planning profession are paying dividends. "Planners are discovering a renewed sense of purpose. Preparing for emerging trends, planning for people and making the economic case for planning are all gaining traction. Planners are forging new alliances with allied professionals."
"The 20th century gave planning its roots," he urges. "Now it’s time to soar."
Topics
- City to Bicyclists: Berkeley Not in Idaho
- Kanye West's Unpermitted Vision for Housing Utopia Has Been Demolished
- France's Transit Ridership Booms as the USA's Busts
- The Great Flood of 2019, Visualized
- First-Time Home Buyers Look Different Than They Once Did
- The High Cost of Cool Air
- Frequencies Restored on L.A.'s Expo Line After Rider Backlash
- 2021 Opening Expected for San Francisco's Central Subway
- Digital Transportation: The Future of Urban Mobility
- $51 Billion Capital Investment Plan Sets Records for New York MTA
- As Community's Colorado's Front Range Grows, Road Planning Follows
- Ride-Hailing Tax to Fund Affordable Housing on the Table in Seattle
- California's Ability to Set Auto Emissions Standards to Be Revoked
- Toronto Wants to Plan Through a Gender Equity Lens
- Stop Giving Away Valuable Public Assets! A Fiduciary Obligation for Road and Parking Pricing
- What Will it Take to Make Transit a Priority in Wichita?
- Rethinking Supply-Side Approaches to L.A.'s Affordable Housing Crisis
- As the Waters Rise Toward San Francisco International Airport, So Do the Costs of Staying Dry
- Denver Looks to Landmark Designation Changes
- Imported Water Needed to Fuel Colorado Sprawl
