Systems thinking and multisolving might sound like complex academic concepts, but they're actually frameworks that describe how our everyday world functions. Beth Sawin's book "Multisolving: Creating Systems Change in a Fractured World" offers a refreshing perspective on problem-solving that's particularly relevant for urban planners and anyone working to improve communities.

The American Planning Association’s 2025 Trend Report, now in its fourth year, serves as a critical resource for planning professionals navigating an increasingly complex future.

“Dark PR: How Corporate Disinformation Undermines Our Health and the Environment" focuses on the world of corporate disinformation and its profound impact on public perception and political actions. Ennis exposes the sophisticated strategies that corporations employ to manipulate narratives and divert attention from significant political issues and action.

Zoning, when applied effectively, can be a catalyst for vibrant and adaptable neighborhoods, particularly in cities like Nashville and Chicago, where cultural resurgence is on the rise.

In this quick 10 minute episode, we discuss the APA article In Defense of Local Zoning which holds up our 100 year old tradition of land regulation. Earlier this month we talked with author M. Nolan Gray on his recent book Arbitrary Lines which makes the bold statement that we should do away with zoning regulations.

Have you ever wondered what guides the development of your community, from where new homes are built to how new roads are planned? We discuss with David Rouse and Rocky Piro, authors of The Comprehensive Plan, about how the answer lies in a powerful, often-overlooked document.

Behind every successful city is thoughtful planning for the future, but it’s not enough to just plan for the future of communities, we also need to plan with the future. We need to image what the future might look like to shape it in a responsible, sustainable, and equitable way.

In the world of urban and regional planning, Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have become an indispensable tool.

Understanding land-use law is essential for anyone involved in urban planning, development, or even just interested in how cities are built and shaped. While often seen as a complex and intimidating field, Land-Use Law in a Nutshell demystifies the legal principles that govern the use of private property.

For planners, the path to a better community is rarely black and white. From accepting a seemingly innocent gift to dealing with conflicting timelines, the profession is filled with ethical dilemmas that require more than just a passing thought.

For anyone who has studied urban planning, a familiar challenge often emerges when classroom theory meets the real world: the textbook ideal of a community plan can quickly crumble under the weight of political realities.