Planning strategies for economically growing communities and regions

¶ … Localities with Strong Economic Growth and Dealing with Problems of National and Local Levels of Planning

The objective of this work in writing is to address the primary problems of contemporary localities with strong economic growth and answer the question of how should the state deal with these problems in regards to both national and local levels of planning.

Long- and Short-Term Planning

Long and short-term planning for land use and urban, suburban and rural revitalization and growth is the focus of urban and regional planners. These planners assist officials in the alleviation of "social, economic, and environmental problems" through making recommendations of locations for such as schools, roads as well as other infrastructure. These individuals additionally suggest the zoning regulations for private property, which makes a requirement of "forecasting the future needs of the population." (U.S. Department of Labor, 2011) Most of local governments hire these planners and these are referred to many times as city planners or community planners. (U.S. Department of Labor, 2011, paraphrased)

II. The Community/City Planner

The objective of the community or city planner is to support the "best use of a community's land and resources for residential, commercial, institutional, and recreational purposes." (U.S. Department of Labor, 2011) These planners focus on "environmental, economic and social health issues of a community as it grows and changes." (U.S. Department of Labor, 2011) These individuals focus on the formulation of plans regarding new school construction and construction of new public housing and other city infrastructure. In addition, these planners assist in the decision-making process relating to resources and the protection of regions that are "ecologically sensitive." (U.S. Department of Labor, 2011) In addition, the focus of some planners are such issues as: (1) environmental issues; (2) pollution control; (3) wetland preservation; (4) forest conservation; and (5) new landfill locations. (U.S. Department of Labor, 2011) These planners additionally assist in the drafting of legislation concerning issues related to the environment as well as economic and social issues. (U.S. Department of Labor, 2011, paraphrased)

IV. Smart-Growth Policies

The work of Ryan Balis (2006) relate that smart-growth policies, such as that instituted in the State of Maryland and in Washington D.C. often results in creating the "sprawl it is intended to prevent." (p.1) It is noted that for those who desire a larger place, which is often not available due to smart growth policies, "simply move away, thus promoting the sprawl that Smart Growthers are trying to stop." (Balis, 2006, p.1) Smart growth in fact is reported to be such that can be viewed "as a crude attempt to exclude less affluent and, in particular, minority residents from communities." (Balis, 2006, p.1) While those who advocate for Smart Growth policies claim that constructing more homes in the suburbs only results in making roads that are already clogged as well as schools and neighborhoods in the suburb even more crowded, it appears that the problem has resulted in "some residents resorting to extreme measures simply to find a space to sleep at night." (Balis, 2006, p.1)

V. Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI)

One technique used in local and regional planning initiatives is "Life Cycle Assessment" (LCA) which is stated to be used for conducting assessment of the "potential environmental aspects and potential aspects associated with a product or service" through: (1) compilation of an inventory of relevant inputs and outputs; (2) evaluation of the potential environmental impacts associated with those inputs and outputs; and (3) interpretation of the results of the inventory and impact phases in relation to the objectives of the study. (Urban Environmental Management, 2011) Life Cycle Assessment is reported to have "emerged as a valuable decision-support tool for both policy makers and industry in assessing the cradle-to-grave impacts of a product or process." ( ) It is reported that the 'Localism Bill 2010-11" was published on December 14, 2010, and contains guidance on regional and local planning in the United Kingdom. According to the Royal Town Planning Institute the principles required for spatial planning include the following: (1) spatial -- regarding the unique needs and characteristics of locations; (2) sustainable -- viewing the short-, medium-, and long-term consideration of social, economic and environmental effects; (3) integrative of knowledge, objectives and actions involved; (3) inclusive of the recognition of the wide range of individuals involved in the planning process; (5) value-drive planning relating to the identification, comprehension and mediation of values that conflict; and (6) action-oriented planning driven by mediation of and making use of place in planning. (Royal Town Planning Initiative, 2007)

Summary and Conclusion

Local and regional planning initiatives involve many considerations for optimal planning of land and space use and as well require consideration of the characteristics of the place. Various initiatives are functioning presently in such planning initiatives and assessment is ongoing to determine which initiatives are the most effective and have the longest lasting positive impacts to the cities and communities in which these plans are implemented.