Sustainable development lives at the intersections of Environmentally Sound, Economically Feasible, and Socially Equitable community-based decisions. by Elizabeth Garvin, AICP

I’m taking this thought further to the value of partnerships and diversity of organizations; where one organization may stand to benefit from the input of comparable organizations. Taking this approach, WPR is pursuing a number of partnerships, as well as diversifying its Board to take advantage of the expertise and insight of knowledgeable organizations and exceptional people.

Elizabeth Garvin, AICP, summarizes a recent debate on the legality of state control over federal lands.

That a rational person will not spend his or her limited time and energy seeking out contrary opinions. From a personal perspective, it is (or at least seems) best to stay within the comfort zone of one’s family, friends, and favorite political pundits.

Tim Sullivan’s new book, Ways to the West, continues his exploration of planning issues in the West, but this time in terms of old and new ways of transportation. 

Bumpy as it has been, 2015 ended with some significant accomplishments concerning board leadership. These accomplishments are significant because, without a strong leadership, nothing would get done.

How the City of Sierra Vista in Arizona had to establish a Metropolitan Planning Organization in order to continue to receive federal transportation dollars. by Daniel R. Coxworth

The column explores lessons learned from the drafting and adoption process of form-based codes.

Candace H. Stowell, AICP, highly recommends this book for anyone who would like to learn more about two very famous writers of the West, Edward Abbey and Wallace Stegner.

Candace H. Stowell, AICP, reviews the latest edition, calling it “a great resource for professional planners, citizen planners, and design professionals alike.”

Amber Vogt offers a very brief overview of ethics and what it means to planners and lists a few examples of planners who can help.

Columnist Lee Nellis, FAICP, reviews the work of Professor Dan Kahan on the role of individual identity in polarization and how it relates to planning.

A case study in Douglas County, Colorado that highlights why a planner should be nimble enough to work through the twists and turns of a contentious and long running land use application. by Katherine E. Rider, AICP

Columnist Lee Nellis, FAICP, discusses the importance of explaining complex topics in straightforward terms.

This article looks at the methods and tools available to help cities become resilient for the imminent changes ahead. by Gretel Follingstad

Columnist Lee Nellis, FAICP, discusses the impact of people’s stories on the planning process.