The Art Of Planning And Politics

Political astuteness was, and continues to be, a predominant characteristic of planning pioneers and a prerequisite for achieving change.

1 minute read

October 21, 2002, 8:00 AM PDT

By C. Scott Smith

Writing in a PLANetizen Op-Ed, Richard Carson writes that "Planners are good at carrying out the programs that others create. However, most of us are not inspired visionaries and very few of us have the political skills to make such a vision a reality. This is why most of the great planning pioneers came from other professions. Sometime ago the American Planning Association announced the top six "most significant planning pioneers" in Planning Magazine. The winners came from such professions as architecture, journalism, landscape architecture and law. There was not a planner in the bunch..."

Thanks to C. Scott Smith

FULL STORY: The Art of Planning and Politics

Monday, October 21, 2002 in Planetizen

Government / Politics United States

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Use Code 25for25 at checkout for 25% off an annual plan!

Get 25% Off Your Subscription

Advertise with us

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.