Each of the below topics is equivalent to a 3-semester hour course with the exception of planning methods and techniques (which can be a 3-semester hour course without a mini-project or a 6-semester hour course with a mini-project)
The Planning Process
- Planning overview
- Urbanization
- History of American city planning
- Approaches to planning – value linkages
- Planning theories
- Getting started – public interest, citizen participation, needs assessment, and direction setting
- Developing an understanding of place – planning studies and research
- Plan making – comprehensive and strategic plans
- Plan implementation – land use controls
- Growth management – legal and constitutional framework
- Planning organization and functions
Download Public Meeting Summary Sheet
Download Journal/Magazine Article Evaluation Sheet
Download Exam Study Questions
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Land Use Controls
- US system of land use controls – legal and constitutional framework
- Zoning
- Subdivision, site plan review, and related controls
- Other land use controls: capital improvement budget and programming, historic preservation, annexation, signs, appearance, environmental controls, TDR, farmland preservation, open space management
- Negotiating and working with developers
- Public meetings
- Planning ethics
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Planning Methods and Techniques
- Collecting information
- Maps and planning graphics
- Communicating with the public, staff, and management
- Studies, surveys, and inventories
- Mini-project: land use, housing, and employment inventories and analyses
Download Exam 1 review
Download Exam 2 review
Download base map
Download housing rating method
Download LBCS_1
Download LBCS_2
Download NAICS
Download inventory worksheet
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Project Management
- Environmental processes as part of planning research and project management
- Mini-project I: walkability audit
- Mini-project II: image analysis
- Mini-project III: community character workshop
- Mini-project IV: preparing a grant proposal
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Group Facilitation Methods
- Focused conversation method (FCM): demonstration, theory, and designing conversations
- FCM: participant-led conversations
- FCM: reflection and applications
- Consensus workshop method (CWM): focus question formulation, demonstration, theory, individual practice, and workshop design/preparation
- CWM: participant-led workshops
- CWM: handling conflict, pre-planning activities, reflection, and applications
- Action planning method (APM): introduction and demonstration
- APM: theory and tracking
- APM: participant-led workshops
- APM: reflection and applications
- Rest of the story
- Training reflection
- Certificate presentation and celebration
- Small group project
Download ORID Worksheet (Expanded)
Download ORID Worksheet (Compressed)
Download CWM Worksheet (Expanded)
Download CWM Worksheet (Compressed)
Download CWM/APM Documentation Worksheet
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Strategic Planning
- Process overview
- Creating a shared vision
- Identifying underlying contradictions
- Developing strategic directions
- Determining action steps
- Team assignments
- Bridging the gaps and scheduling action steps
- Reflection
- Tracking procedures
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Capstone for Planning Practice
- Getting organized – identifying skills, knowledge, and abilities
- Professionalism
- Managing priorities
- Listening skills
- Marketing oneself – resume, cover letter, interviewing, and portfolio
- Understanding planning ... better
- Seminar presentations (from planning reading list)
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© 2001-2008 Garry
V. Cooper

2 Scottish Circle
Asheville, NC 28803
828-505-3369 (work-home)
Email: garry@cooperwww.com