The Problem With Thinking Regionally

Carol Coletta is a believer in the new emphasis in regional government, but worries that it may be at the expense of the local.

1 minute read

November 19, 2009, 7:00 AM PST

By Tim Halbur

Coletta writes, "Regionalism makes complete sense conceptually. Our economies, our natural systems, and our transportation systems are, indeed, regional and require a regional approach."

"The real problem comes when, in the name of regionalism, decision makers become place agnostic. In other words, they can't favor any one place in the region for fear of offending every other place in the region. That translates into development anywhere in the region being labeled as good development. If a road is built in one part of the region, it must be equalized with a road in another part of the region."

FULL STORY: Identity Theft for Cities

Wednesday, November 18, 2009 in GOOD Magazine

Government / Politics Land Use United States Regional Planning

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Get top-rated, practical training

Start Learning

Advertise with us

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.