Planning for Wicked Problems

This textbook equips planning students with essential legal insights, presenting complex problems and guiding them through relevant laws and case studies. Planning for Wicked Problems is an invaluable resource.

The book Planning for Wicked Problems: A Planner’s Guide to Land Use Law serves as the first textbook tailored specifically for planning students delving into the complexities of land use law. Authored by Dawn Jourdan and Eric J. Strauss, this guide acknowledges the challenges faced by graduate students in urban and regional planning, particularly when relying on traditional case books designed for law professors. The authors have crafted a resource that is not only informative but also engaging for students who are preparing for real-world planning dilemmas.

Each chapter of Planning for Wicked Problems begins with a complex planning scenario that lacks a definitive solution, encouraging students to ponder these hypothetical situations before diving into the detailed content that follows. This approach fosters critical thinking and prepares students to navigate the intricacies of planning law. The second section of each chapter provides a concise primer on the relevant legal principles, equipping students with the foundational knowledge necessary to tackle the issues they will encounter in practice.

Further enhancing the learning experience, the third section includes a selection of edited court opinions deemed essential by the American Institute of Certified Planners. This structure culminates in a conclusion that addresses the initial wicked problem posed at the chapter's start. Additionally, Planning for Wicked Problems offers a companion website for further study, making it a comprehensive resource for aspiring planners looking to effectively utilize legal frameworks in their decision-making processes.