There are few political third rails in the world of planning like Agenda 21, a nonbinding United Nations resolution often found at the center of planning controversies in the United States.
President of the United Nations General Assembly Mogens Lykketoft announced new United Nations Form-Based Code Guidelines today, as part of the recently ratified COP 21 climate agreement.
Lykketoft described the new Form-Based Codes as "Agenda 21 times 2" and said it would "scare people into mixing uses and adding density."
Form-based codes are a relatively new invention of development regulation, relying on issues of form rather than land use as organizing principles.
What could go wrong with adding a new-fangled and complex regulatory scheme to an already controversial international policy directive? A lot, actually, and the United Nations is counting on it.
Lykketoft responded to questions about the potential controversy that would surround the Form-Based Code Guidelines by insisting that Agenda 21 is not a U.N. plot to overthrow the sovereignty of the United States. "It's actually just a U.N. plot to annoy planners," said a noticeably smug Lykketoft before dropping the mic and getting on a private jet with Kanye West.
FULL STORY: U.N. Releases 'Agenda 21 Times 2'
Self-Driving Cars Still Can't Recognize the Difference Between a Wedding Planner and an Urban Planner
Pundits agree that planners need to prepare for self-driving cars. Self-driving cars still need to prepare for planners.
Florida Man Thought the New Comp Plan Included Zoning Changes
A Florida man is accused of not realizing an entirely separate process would be required to implement the zoning changes recommended in a recently approved comprehensive plan.
April Fool's Headlines That Didn't Make the Cut
"Who's the more foolish, the fool, or the fool who follows him?"
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
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.
Test News Post 1
This is a summary
Analysis: Cybertruck Fatality Rate Far Exceeds That of Ford Pinto
The Tesla Cybertruck was recalled seven times last year.
Test News Headline 46
Test for the image on the front page.
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