Case Study: Governmental Relations in Urban Planning

Introduction

Two forms of local governments in the U.S. include cities and counties. Cities are more localized jurisdictions, typically governed by a mayor and city council, while counties are larger regions, with their own elected county commissioners, who have authority over services such as education, roads, and law enforcement (Sellers & Scharff, 2020). The form of local government has an enormous impact on planning. Cities and counties can develop long-term plans to address housing, economic development, transportation, and other issues important to their citizens (Atkinson, 2019). These plans are typically set by and for the local government, which can be especially beneficial in areas without state or federal planning initiatives. Additionally, cities and counties can create zoning laws that control how land is used and developed, as well as ordinances and regulations that guide how businesses operate, including noise and emissions control (Kim, 2020). This local-level planning and regulation can ensure that communities have access to amenities that meet the needs of their citizens while protecting their environment. This case study looks at two forms of local governmentcity and countyand discusses them in relation to urban planning and the biblical viewpoint.

Using the Planning Process

Both cities and counties use comprehensive planning to address long-term goals and outcomes (Bush & Doyon, 2019). In the case of this study, the local city and the local county selected are Cincinnati and Hamilton County. The city of Cincinnati and Hamilton County have both implemented comprehensive and incremental planning initiatives to address the needs of their citizens (Magnan, 2021; Wojcik et al., 2021). The city of Cincinnati has a 10-year Comprehensive Plan that outlines goals and strategies for housing, economic development, transportation, and other areas important to the city. This plan was developed through extensive public engagement, with input gathered from a range of citizens, businesses, and other stakeholders. Additionally, the city of Cincinnati is committed to promoting equity, inclusion, and racial justice in its policies and initiatives.

In Hamilton County, the Board of Commissioners adopted a ten-year strategic plan in 2019 that includes initiatives such as increasing access to quality education, expanding public transportation options, and promoting small business growth. The plan also focuses on improving the quality of life of citizens by investing in projects that promote health, safety, and access to resources. Furthermore, the plan is based on a principle of equity, aiming to ensure that all members of the community have access to the same opportunities and resources. This commitment to equity is reflected in the county's mission statement which states, We strive for an equitable, diverse, and just community where everyone is valued and can thrive (Dutt et al., 2022).

However, neither government makes much of an effort to turn to God for these plans. For a conservative state and region, one might think that Cincinnati and Hamilton County would recognize the importance of seeking guidance from God when making decisions that have a lasting impact on their citizens. After all, this is highlighted in Proverbs 3:5-6 which says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths. This verse reminds us that it is essential to seek counsel and rely on Gods wisdom when making plans and strategizing for the future. Therefore, by looking to Scripture for guidance, local governments could create comprehensive plans that promote justice, equity, and wisdom for allby going to the Source of all those qualities: God in Heaven. But they do not do this publicly.

Instead, comprehensive plans are usually developed over a period of several years and involve extensive public engagement, usually through public meetings and surveys. These plans can cover topics such as housing, land use, transportation, economic development, and environmental protection. Cities and counties often implement incremental planning as well, which is a shorter-term approach that focuses on specific projects or initiatives. Incremental planning...…to make decisions about housing, economic development, transportation, and other issues vital to their citizens. Incremental planning is also important, as it is used to implement the goals of the comprehensive plan. In the biblical view of planning, Proverbs 15:22 says Without counsel, plans fail; but with many advisers they succeed. This reflects the importance of involving citizens in the planning process and utilizing the input of multiple stakeholders to ensure the success of planned initiatives.

Local governments must also remain accountable to their citizens, striving to make decisions that best serve the common good. This is echoed in James 3:17, which says But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. Local governments should recognize that their plans and actions should reflect these qualities in order to ensure that outcomes are beneficial for all. Thus, local governments should focus on creating plans with an emphasis on equity and justice, and seek wisdom in making decisions by looking to Scripture and engaging with citizens in meaningful dialogue.

Outcomes

The outcomes of local government planning are often improved quality of life fr citizens, a greater sense of community, and better access to resources, and that is true in this case study. In the biblical view of planning, Proverbs 19:21 says Many are the plans in a mans heart, but it is the Lords purpose that will prevail. This reflects the importance of recognizing that, although we can make plans, it is ultimately God who determines their success. Thus, local governments should strive to create plans with an emphasis on equity and justice, and focus on making decisions that best serve the common good. By looking to Scripture, as well as engaging with citizens in meaningful dialogue, local governments can create comprehensive plans that promote justice, equity, and wisdom for all. Ultimately, if local governments plan and act with justice, equity, and an awareness of their responsibility to their citizens, then…