Planning and Politics (Ch 6)

Question 1

What are the positive aspects of the modern plan development approach?

Answer 1

1. Avoids elitism. 2. Involves public input 3. Plans formed with substantial community input are more likely to be carried out.

Question 2

Planning is a function of which government branch?

Answer 2

Executive

Question 3

Describe the following planning approach/style: The planner as a neutral public servant.

Answer 3

Neutral public servant in which the planner relies on technical expertise to advise the community and its leaders. The planner does not tell the community what it should do. “How to” and “what if” scenarios are the focus, not “should” or “should not.”

Question 4

Describe the following planning approach/style: The planner as a builder of community consensus.

Answer 4

Believe that planning cannot be separated from politics. Plans cannot be implemented without political will and action, so the planner must be a part of the political process.

Question 5

Describe the following planning approach/style: The planner as an entrepreneur.

Answer 5

When a planner runs an agency that is task-oriented, they can become entrepreneurs.

Question 6

Describe the following planning approach/style: The planner as an advocate.

Answer 6

This type of planner acts as representative for certain groups or causes through nonprofit or for-profit organizations.

Question 7

Describe the following planning approach/style: The planner an agent of radical change.

Answer 7

Some planners view themselves as a facilitator of changes that reflect their values.

Question 8

How is the modern planning agency organized?

Answer 8

The modern planning agency is part of the executive branch of the municipal government. The head of the planning agency reports to the most senior elected official or the city manager. The planning director is typically a political appointee. In the planning department are the is the permanent staff. The planning director must also report to a planning board.