Community Development Field

What Are the Goals of Community Planning?

What are our priorities when it comes to neighborhood planning? According to the results of a public opinion poll conducted by the American Planning Association, “Americans want planners to focus […]

What are our priorities when it comes to neighborhood planning? According to the results of a public opinion poll conducted by the American Planning Association, “Americans want planners to focus most on creating jobs—followed by safety, schools, protecting neighborhoods, and water quality.” 

But as Kaid Benfield of the National Resources Defense Council wrote on his blog, what do survey results mean?

In a poll where community planning was defined as “a process that seeks to engage all members of a community to create more prosperous, convenient, equitable, healthy and attractive places for present and future generations,” it is almost inconceivable that anyone would be opposed. So, is two-thirds a strong number or a weak one? What if planning had been defined more neutrally as “a process where local government works with citizens to chart future directions for the community’s land use, economic development, and services”?

What struck us, however, was the APA's definition of community planning, particularly its emphasis on equity. It sounded a lot like community development, and that's not a surprise because the two fields can often intersect.

So what are the goals of community planning? Here's a quick rundown of our own non-scientific survey. Click on the image to see results in a new window. Respondents were able to choose more than one option.

It's not too late to weigh in. Click here to take the survey or leave a comment below!

  • Aerial view of the capital city of Montpelier, Vermont. Leaves in bright fall colors, and three church spires among the small-city houses and building of brick and clapboard.

    States Are Using This Tool to Keep LIHTC Housing Affordable for Longer

    September 13, 2024

    Some state finance agencies are using qualified allocation plans, or QAPs, to extend affordability of LIHTC housing beyond 30 years and increase tenant protections. Here's a look at where it's happening.

  • View from an upper floor of a small-city street, with two- and three-story brick buildings lining the street, and cars parked on the curb. A brick chimney at the back of the buildings is set against a bright blue sky.

    Standing Up for Small CDCs

    August 28, 2024

    Neighborhood-scale community development organizations have community connections and trust that can’t be replicated by larger organizations, and they should be valued as the foundation of the field.

  • Affordable Housers Face Deepening Rental Arrears and Ballooning Expenses

    August 2, 2024

    Four years after the pandemic first wrought havoc on the American economy, nonprofit housers are being overwhelmed by rental arrears. Can they balance their social mission against their operational realities?