Is This What We Meant by Joint Planning?

The resistance to joint planning often has resulted in a historical tension between what it means to live in the county and what it means to live in rural areas. However, these perceptions are often incorrect when applied to areas where the city meets the county. Without joint planning, inertia and current development trends will result in development patterns which contribute to sprawl and increased infrastructure costs. By revisioning these interfaces through the lens of joint planning, we can bring the benefits of ecosystems into city environments, reconnect us with nature and food, shape and support our cities, provide for affordable housing, and contribute to addressing issues affecting the sustainability of our western landscapes. State Statutes in many states allow for the creation of intergovernmental agreements (IGAs) and joint planning areas, but few communities have adopted IGAs to address development and growth at the fringes of cities and towns. During this session we will have a tough conversation including downzoning, subdivision regulations, affordable housing requirements, and other tools which result in successful joint planning conversations. This presentation will examine the intersection of perceptions, politics, and creative planning solutions to break down the barriers and kick-start the joint planning process.