History of Comprehensive Planning Flashcards
The Chicago Plan of 1909,
developed by Daniel Burnham, was the first regional plan in the U.S. It focused on incorporating ideas from the City Beautiful movement, especially waterfront development, parks, and civic center spaces. It was criticized for failing to address issues like housing, poverty, and transportation efficiency. It did not foresee the looming impact of the automobile.
The first comprehensive plan was developed in Cincinnati in 1925, under the direction of Alfred Bettman and Ladislas Segoe.
The Cincinnati Plan focused on infrastructure projects and called for planning to be controlled by a citizen city planning commission.
Between 1922 and 1929, the Regional Plan for New York and Environs was created.
The plan focused on suburban development, highway construction, and suburban recreational facilities. Stein and Mumford were involved in the creation of the plan.
During the Depression, few comprehensive plans were developed,
although the Resettlement Administration was creating them for greenbelt towns.
Following World War II, the rapid development of suburban areas led to an increase in comprehensive planning. The U.S. Housing Act of 1954
The largest impetus for comprehensive planning.
The Act required cities to develop comprehensive plans and provided funding for planning under Section 701.
One of the problems with the 701 plan is that it led to the creation of plans for the purpose of acquiring federal funds rather than trying to truly plan for communities.
During the 1970s and 1980s, comprehensive plans shifted to more of a social focus.
The emphasis moved to concerns of equity, neighborhood preservation, affordable housing, environmental protection, and historic preservation. As an example, the Second Regional Plan of New York and Environs of 1970 addressed transit and commercial rehabilitation.
The 1970s also saw the introduction of the state into comprehensive planning.
Oregon and Minnesota passed laws requiring comprehensive planning. In 1985, Florida passed a law that required communities to develop comprehensive plans.
