Why The Field Of Planning Should Revise Its Goals

The American Planning Association and the planning profession as a whole have lost their way. Constant compromise has led to mediocrity. Now it's time to get re-focused.

1 minute read

May 3, 2004, 7:00 AM PDT

By Chris Steins @planetizen

The American Planning Association (APA) and the planning profession have lost their way, writes Konrad Perlman in this week's PLANetizen Op-Ed. "I stopped my APA membership after my term as Vice President of the National Capital Chapter ended years ago. Why? Because APA has become institutionalized inclusiveness. Its primary focus on urbanism and physical planning has disappeared. This changed focus has not resulted in many places the profession can brag about. Mediocre or slightly better results and too many compromises have become accepted as the norm, because that's the 'real world.' "

Thanks to Chris Steins

FULL STORY: Why The Field Of Planning Should Revise Its Goals

Monday, May 3, 2004 in Planetizen

Land Use 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

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

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.