Planning, Property, and Political Logics of Development Compared

Abstract

Problem, research strategy, and findings: I used an interpretive review of Global North liberal market literature to construct an analytical framework that speaks to the different applied logics of planning, property development, and politics. On closer inspection, the competition among these logics generates several different styles of—and outcomes from—planning. The framework decenters urban planning practice within processes of placemaking. It suggests that, in addition to negotiation and leadership, imagination, creativity, and entrepreneurship can usefully feature more in urban planning education and practice. Takeaway for practice: Planning educators and practitioners should resist the temptation to reduce urban planning to project management. Practice increasingly may be exposed to the immediacy of digital social media and pressure-group politics. The education and training of planners should incorporate a greater appreciation of the logic of property development and the skills needed to negotiate with developers and persuade politicians as well as greater use of imagination, creativity, and entrepreneurship.