Planning Power Revolution: Who Runs the Show Now?

If change were easy, we would never see controversies and conflicts. Yet planning and design efforts are fundamentally about navigating the space of change, whether it be a multi-decade vision for a community, a new direction for a revitalized downtown or beloved public space, or community regulations that shape development outcomes. We have seen our profession and the communities we serve advance meaningful community engagement for diversity, equity and inclusion.

One might expect this to result in a rousing rendition of kumbaya, but sometimes entrenched power centers resist these new perspectives. This has been further affected by broader societal dynamics and technology. This presentation explores changing power dynamics and their impact on planning and design outcomes through three extreme case studies: CodeNEXT in Austin, Texas, Austin’s Zilker Park Master Plan, and the comprehensive plan of Plano, Texas. Delve into concepts of digital privilege; find out what happens when leaders discover that others’ opinions don’t necessarily align with their own beliefs; and investigate social media feedback loops, retaliatory participation, and what happens when things get personal for planners and designers.