ABSTRACT
The pragmatists replace the model of the planner as an expert offering truthful advice to the public with that of the planner as a counselor, who fosters public deliberation about the meaning and consequences about relevant plans with those who will bear the burden and enjoy the benefits of purposeful change. Citizen participation beyond the franchise is not necessary for ordinary bureaucratic decision-making. These last seven years of the Great Recession have seen times of human suffering and uncertainty on multiple levels of urban living that have led to a crisis in cities worldwide. Planners, architects, and landscape designers have worked with climate scientists, sociologists, community leaders, and diverse citizens in the aftermath of many recent disasters, as well as in ongoing efforts to increase social equity, as a key element of livability. Land use is one of the most controversial areas to focus on in dealing with sustainable built environments.
