Practice of Local Government Planning

The introductory chapter to the book, with its discussion of planning environments, begins the examination of new developments in the planning field. Each chapter considers, in its turn, the influences that shape current planning practice. For example, in recent years, the shifting role of the federal government has been one of the greatest sources of change. As federal funds for a number of programs have decreased or been withdrawn, local and state governments have had to rethink their services and discover ways to make up the difference. The nature of the planning profession— which is characterized by a long-term perspective—has made planners central to this process. As both administrators and policymaking bodies have come to rely on the breadth of knowledge conferred by planning expertise, planners in numerous municipalities have assumed increasingly important roles in local government—and often find themselves mediating among a number of competing interests and needs. Although this position can be a difficult one for planners who view themselves as neutral technicians, other planners have chosen to become advocates for groups whose needs might otherwise be overlooked.