What is the role of public institutions in urban planning?
As mentioned in the previous blog the use of zoning regulation provides the control of how land is used in a community as a means to segregate uses that are thought to be incompatible. While zoning laws hold considerable authority in how land is used and developed, various public institutions also play a significant role. There is a complex interplay of many public institutions that provide guidance and oversight within the decisional process of how cities are built, maintained and evolve over time.
The success of public health promotion through urban planning is dependent on promoting this health initiative within the goals and measures of all the public institutions involved in the urban planning process.
The central player in local urban planning is the metropolitan planning organization (MPO). It is a federally mandated and federally funded transportation policy-making organization made up of representatives from local government and transportation authorities (Wesley, 2006). Funding for transportation projects and programs are routed through the MPO planning process. Each MPO develops the mission and goals of the organization based on local policies issues and concerns. Arizona formed the Maricopa Association of Governments (MAG) as the MPO for the greater Phoenix area and has the following mission:
“The Maricopa Association of Governments is based on the principle that cities, towns, counties, and Indian Communities, which are closest to the people, should exercise the basic initiative and leadership and should have the primary responsibility for addressing those local problems and needs which require action on an area-wide or regional basis.”
MAG’s Articles of Incorporation state that the association was formed to do the following:
- Provide a forum for discussion and study of regional problems of mutual interest to the governments in the region.
- Ensure, through cooperation and the pooling of common resources, maximum efficiency and economy in governmental operations, which will provide every citizen with the utmost value for every dollar.
- Identify and comprehensively plan for the solution of regional problems requiring multicity, town and county cooperation.
- Facilitate agreements among the governmental units for specific projects or other interrelated developmental actions or for the adoption of common policies with respect to problems that are common to its members.
- Attain the greatest degree of intergovernmental cooperation possible in order to prepare for future growth and development of the region.
MAG 2018
This MPO consists of a regional council made of representatives from local communities. While MPOs such as MAG govern large regions such as the Phoenix metropolitan area, local communities are governed by city councils. These city councils are made up of elected members from each district and are led by a chief executive officer, typically the mayor of the city.
City Council Meeting Peoria AZ 2018
Transportation planning is a complex interdisciplinary political process. MPOs are central to the governance of all transportation considerations and have significant influence towards increasing opportunities for active transportation options including walking and biking. Improving population health through advocacy of active transport options requires adequate engagement with MPOs and their public institution partners.
References
City of Peoria. (2018). City council videos. Retrieved from https://www.peoriaaz.gov/government/mayor-and-city-council/city-council-videos
Leckrone, J. Wesley. 2006. “Metropolitan Planning Organizations”. Federalism in America: An Encyclopedia, http://encyclopedia.federalism.org/index.php?title=Metropolitan_Planning_Organizations
Maricopa Association of Governments. (2018). About MAG. Retrieved from http://azmag.gov/About-Us/About-MAG
Schroeder, B. J. (2016). Part 2 – transportation planning Elsevier Inc.10.1016/B978-0-12-801248-2.00002-2
One Health 
This is a very refreshing topic and something that I for one don’t really think about or take for granted. I now have a healthy respect when it comes to the multiple factors involved with urban planning and creating a city in which it’s residents can thrive in.
I look at the community I live in and never really thought about the benefits of the biking paths, basketball courts or playgrounds. I think as everyday residents we definitely don’t think about the logistics or purpose behind what makes a city or community physically adaptable to the people.
I was also reading this article on addressing mental health as well with city planning. Things such as green spaces that can decrease anxiety, social areas such as built in chess boards or benches and safe spaces that pedestrians can choose without fear of a possible attack from a stranger.
This definitely a very interesting topic to think about!
https://www.citylab.com/design/2016/12/how-to-support-mental-health-through-urban-planning/510833/
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There are many factors to consider when planning city designs, Green spaces have been highlighted as an important component for aesthetics and as you have shared provide a useful method to decrease anxiety
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My family is lucky enough to live near a canal in Phoenix, and although I regularly use the canal for running or biking, many of my friends don’t feel safe running along the canal alone. In the last few months I have heard that the city of Phoenix plans to develop the canal system to include paved paths, benches, vegetation, pedestrian bridges, lighting, and improved access from nearby neighborhoods. I looked for the project online and found a really nice web site with details on funding, design plans, and public open houses related to the project. With Phoenix having some of the nicest weather in the country, improving the canal system is a great way to utilize an existing water feature and make outdoor activity more appealing and safe. Great post!
http://www.grandcanalscape.com/
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The grand canalscape Is a wonderful project that will provide opportunities for walking and biking, thanks for sharing!
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