Activists and officials in Philadelphia are currently debating the chosen nomenclature of one of the largest and most influential forms of planning—master planning.
"A group of African-American community activists wants the city to stop using the phrase 'master plan,' saying an adjective other than one that evokes slavery can be used to denote important planning documents," reports Kellie Patrick Gates.
"Tiffany Green and Tim Hannah of Black Communities United said as they've talked about planning efforts in their communities, people have found the word 'master' offensive."
The activists have a sympathetic ear in Philadelphia City Planning Commission Chairman Alan Greenberger, who thinks the word should be replaced, but for different reasons. According to Gates, "Greenberger said he has his own issues with 'master plan,' in part because the term makes it sound as though the goals and ideas within are carved in stone."
FULL STORY: Should words other than 'Master' be used to describe long-range plans?
The Philadelphia Loan Program Transforming the Demographics of Development
The Jumpstart loan program is helping Black and female residents become developers.
The Key Role of Row Houses in Philadelphia and Baltimore
The row house is ubiquitous in the two cities, but their policies on design and preservation vary widely.
Philadelphia to Add New Speed Cameras
Speeding violations on streets with automated traffic enforcement are down by 95 percent, according to city officials.
National Parks Layoffs Will Cause Communities to Lose Billions
Thousands of essential park workers were laid off this week, just before the busy spring break season.
Retro-silient?: America’s First “Eco-burb,” The Woodlands Turns 50
A master-planned community north of Houston offers lessons on green infrastructure and resilient design, but falls short of its founder’s lofty affordability and walkability goals.
Delivering for America Plan Will Downgrade Mail Service in at Least 49.5 Percent of Zip Codes
Republican and Democrat lawmakers criticize the plan for its disproportionate negative impact on rural communities.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
Balancing Bombs and Butterflies: How the National Guard Protects a Rare Species
The National Guard at Fort Indiantown Gap uses GIS technology and land management strategies to balance military training with conservation efforts, ensuring the survival of the rare eastern regal fritillary butterfly.
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
EMC Planning Group, Inc.
Planetizen
Planetizen
Mpact (formerly Rail~Volution)
Great Falls Development Authority, Inc.
HUDs Office of Policy Development and Research
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service