Writing for Fortune magazine, David Morris examines the influence of the Anti-Agenda 21 movement, especially one of the movement's figureheads, Rosa Koire, who wrote the book "Behind the Green Mask: U.N. Agenda 21."
Morris's coverage of the Anti-Agenda 21 movement is fairly diplomatic, letting the movement's leaders' words speak for themselves and putting the words like "conspiracy theorists" in the mouths of others.
For an example of Morris's restraint:
"Those who have faced these activists are often mystified by their detection of international influence on local planning, and intensely frustrated by their tone and tactics."
And:
"Agenda 21’s opponents assert direct lines of connection among agencies and governments, with the United Nations at the center. This is what makes talking to Rosa Koire both beguiling and confounding. She’s cogent and detailed as she critiques the elite international influence that has promoted sustainable development through commissions, councils, and nonprofits."
But the irrationality of many of the viewpoints of the movement, as well as the destructive nature of the movement's tactics, is also implied:
- Koire claims that the master plan behind Agenda 21 is 'to restrict your choices, limit your funds, narrow your freedoms, and take away your voice.' She describes bicycle advocacy groups, 'often dominated by testosterone-laden zealots,' as “the 'shock troops' for this plan."
- "Rosa Koire defends the tactics that have limited dialogue. 'These public meetings are truly designed to stop people from having an opportunity for input. There are times when the only way to block a thing is to . . . really shut down a meeting.'"
The stakes of the Agenda 21 opposition are fair from resolved. Pending controversies include a suit by Koire against Plan Bay Area, "a set of development guidelines including expanded public transportation and a denser urban core." Moreover, the United Nations is currently considering a new set of sustainable development guidelines, but many nations, including the United States, are balking at the idea of supporting a potentially divisive international platform.
FULL STORY: Agenda 21: Global conspiracy or climate savior?

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