Being a planner is not easy. Our work may often leave us discouraged, frustrated, and cynical. But with Thanksgiving approaching, let's take some time to reflect and count our blessings.

2020 has been a challenging year in so many ways. Due to the pandemic, our personal and professional lives have changed. We have been forced to adapt and come to terms with how much we have taken for granted—our family, friends, co-workers, daily routines, recreational activities and just the simple things around us. While it would be easy to just focus on the negatives, park planner Clement Lau is choosing to share the positives in this article.
Lau believes that it is good for his soul to reflect upon on what he is thankful for and offers the following gratitude list which planners, especially those in the field of parks and recreation, should be able to relate to:
- New Park Facilities
- Modified Programming
- Continued Engagement
- Meaningful Projects
- Time with Family Outdoors
- Writing for Fun
- Support from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)
It is not easy being a planner. With or without the pandemic, we face a wide range of challenges that sometimes leave us discouraged, frustrated, and cynical. But to continue to serve our communities to the best of our ability, we must stay positive and adopt an attitude of gratitude.
FULL STORY: Giving Thanks in the Midst of a Pandemic

Study: Maui’s Plan to Convert Vacation Rentals to Long-Term Housing Could Cause Nearly $1 Billion Economic Loss
The plan would reduce visitor accommodation by 25,% resulting in 1,900 jobs lost.

North Texas Transit Leaders Tout Benefits of TOD for Growing Region
At a summit focused on transit-oriented development, policymakers discussed how North Texas’ expanded light rail system can serve as a tool for economic growth.

Using Old Oil and Gas Wells for Green Energy Storage
Penn State researchers have found that repurposing abandoned oil and gas wells for geothermal-assisted compressed-air energy storage can boost efficiency, reduce environmental risks, and support clean energy and job transitions.

Santa Barbara Could Build Housing on County Land
County supervisors moved forward a proposal to build workforce housing on two county-owned parcels.

San Mateo Formally Opposes Freeway Project
The city council will send a letter to Caltrans urging the agency to reconsider a plan to expand the 101 through the city of San Mateo.

A Bronx Community Fights to Have its Voice Heard
After organizing and giving input for decades, the community around the Kingsbridge Armory might actually see it redeveloped — and they want to continue to have a say in how it goes.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
Ascent Environmental
Borough of Carlisle
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service