The Nature of Planning
by Michael Chandler
Just why is planning important? Michael Chandler takes aim at this most fundamental question -- in under 1,000 words.
summaries of other Michael Chandler articles
Read excerpts from article:
It is probably safe to assume that most planning commissioners
relish the challenges incumbent with their office. Zeal, vigor,
and tenacity are adjectives I use to describe the performance of
planning commissioners I have observed in Virginia and elsewhere.
Commitment to task and a willingness to work hard are admirable
traits; however, they will be of little value if a planning
commission fails to understand or grasp the larger context
within which it operates.
Viewed in isolation, what does the term planning mean to you? I
like to start my planning commission training sessions with this
very question because it is so fundamental -- and because
responses to it say much about the training participants, their
experience and their perspective.
...