Planning challenges and the challenges of planning

Abstract

In this chapter, we look at the multifaceted nature of planning in the public realm. The chapter presents a thumbnail sketch of planning history and identifies three major global trends: urbanization, changing sociodemographic characteristics, and climate change that affect every aspect of planning. These trends will manifest differently across geographic regions, and the chapter argues that planners must think critically about how their projects or programs may be impacted by these trends. For example, American planners must address sprawl, crumbling infrastructure, declining investments in public transportation, an aging population, diversity, environmental quality challenges, and consequences of climate change. In addition, planners must confront societal shifts such as the devaluation of their professional expertise, societal polarization, and lack of a commitment to civic obligations. The chapter then discusses the role that technologies have played in shaping and informing planning practices. The chapter concludes by drawing attention to the persistent challenges of social inequality and poverty that severely limits the potential of good planning. The chapter is the gateway to the discussion of our case studies in Chapter 3 and methods in Chapters 4 and 5.