Planning Theory Flashcards
Rational Planning
A planner is able to evaluate all alternatives and is not constrained by limits of time and money. However, no planner can use pure rationality because we can never have complete information.
Bounded Rationality
accepts that the human mind is limited in its ability to solve problems. We instead choose alternatives that are good enough. Simon argued that the rational “economic man” should be replaced by the “administrative man” who satisfies.
Incremental Planning
In 1959, Charles Lindblom published the article “The Science of Muddling Through”
He suggested that planning has to be piecemeal, incremental, opportunistic, and pragmatic. Planning in the real world is not rational and comprehensive, but is instead disjointed and incremental.
Ex. Planning departments rarely conduct a complete overhaul of the zoning ordinance; instead, the zoning ordinance is tweaked to assist in achieving the goals of the comprehensive plan.
Mixed Scanning
Amitai Etzioni introduced the concept of mixed scanning as a compromise between rational and incremental planning theories. Mixed scanning views planning decisions at two levels: the big picture and the small picture.
Etzioni argued that fundamental policy-shaping decisions should be based on a more careful rational analysis of alternatives. Implementation decisions, on the other hand, should use an incremental approach.
As an example, a comprehensive plan would be created using the rational planning approach, while the implementation of the plan would use an incremental approach.
Advocacy Planning
developed in the 1960s by Paul Davidoff as a way to represent the interests of groups within a community
planners should represent special interest groups rather than acting for the good of the whole community
though advocacy planning can be successful in blocking insensitive plans, it can also result in conflict among interest groups
Transactive Planning
In 1973, John Friedmann published the book Retracking America: A Theory of Transactive Planning
a way to get the public more involved in the planning process.
In transactive planning, the planner meets with individuals in the community to discuss issues and help develop a plan. Through a process of “mutual learning,” the planner shares technical knowledge, while the citizens provide community knowledge.
Mutual Learning
An element of Transactive Planning. Planners are responsible from learning from communities (in order to create effective plans) while also offering their technical expertise to the community.
Radical Planning
1987, John Friedmann published a book titled Planning in the Public Domain: From Knowledge to Action
involves taking power away from the government and giving it to the people. In this process, citizens get together and develop their own plans.
some public housing authorities have turned management decisions over to tenants, who are responsible for proposing policy change
Communicative Planning
Current planning theory of choice. Planning operates within the realm of politics and that it contains a variety of stakeholder interests.
The communicative approach tries to use a rational model as a basis for bringing mutual understanding among all stakeholders. Planners can provide the stakeholders with information and bring people together to discuss the issues.
The Planner’s Role in Communicative Planning
Listen to people’s views and assist in forging a consensus among different viewpoints. The planner’s role is to mediate among stakeholders through talk and discussion.
