Using Assisted Negotiation to Settle Land Use Disputes


Book Description

As land use issues become more complex, public officials must work harder to balance the contending forces of environmental protection, economic development, and local autonomy. This guidebook, developed by the Consensus Building Institute, offers step-by-step advice on assisted negotiation based on a study of 100 local land use disputes. It addresses why and how to use assisted negotiation, the risks and preparations involved, and issues in hiring a professional mediator or facilitator.




Land in Conflict


Book Description

With years of professional experience and more than a decade of research sponsored by the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, the authors, all associated with the Consensus Building Institute, have found that the mutual gains approach is a better way to manage the most challenging land use disputes. This approach is guided by core principles, follows a set of clear action steps, and is useful at different stages of land use decision making. It is different from, though not incompatible with, the required land use procedures. It is not a single process or technique; it draws from the fields of negotiation, consensus building, collaborative problem solving, alternative dispute resolution, public participation, and public administration. The result is a more public, collaborative process designed to tease out the range of interests and criteria, compare various alternatives, and determine which alternatives meet the most interests. Case studies from across the United States and Canada illustrate the principles and steps in the mutual gains approach.




Managing Community Growth


Book Description







Managing America's Cities


Book Description

This work describes the operations of a typical municipal government and examines the many productivity trends that are occurring in city halls across America. Much of the focus is on the increasing need for planning in city government to ensure that productivity goals are met. It thoroughly examines the roles of the council, manager, and clerk in promoting increased productivity. It then looks at such municipal departments as legal, finance, fire, human services, library, police and public works, demonstrating proven techniques and structures in each that improve service. Instructors considering this book for use in a course may request an examination copy here.




Environmental Democracy


Book Description

Through a wide range of case studies, Mason reveals just how sensitive we all must be to styles of power, vulnerability and resilience in any democratic transition to sustainability. This is a fine book.' Timothy O'Riordan, Professor of Environmental Science, University of East Anglia, and Associate Director, Centre for Social and Economic Research on the Global Environment. Civic self-determination and ecological sustainability are widely accepted as two of the most important public goals. This book explains how they can be combined. Using vivid and telling case studies from around the world, it shows how liberal rights can include both ecological and social conditions for collective decision-making - environmentalist goals and social justice can be achieved together. Integrating theory and original case studies, the book makes a very significant contribution to the fundamentals of how environmental democracy can be advanced at all levels. Cogently argued and engaged, Environmental Democracy provides a superb teaching text and a source of ideas and persuasive arguments for the politically and environmentally engaged. It will be essential reading for students, teachers and researchers in politics, policy studies, environmental studies, geography and social science.




Classic Readings in Urban Planning


Book Description

This new edition of "the best anthology in planning" includes 33 selections by many of the profession's most respected thinkers and eloquent writers. Returning editor Jay M. Stein chose the articles, about half of them new to this edition, based on suggestions from colleagues and students who used the first edition, recommendations from planning scholars, awards for writing in the field of planning, and his own review of recent planning literature. Classic Readings in Urban Planning offers an unparalleled depth of coverage and range of perspectives on traditional aspects of planning as well as on important contemporary issues. This is an exceptional main or supplementary textbook for advanced undergraduate or beginning graduate level students in urban and regional planning. As a general overview of the field of urban planning, it is also an excellent choice for planning commissioners, practicing planners, and professionals in related fields such as environmental and land use law, architecture, and government. An abstract introduces each reading, and each section includes suggestions for additional readings suitable for more extensive study. Many of these are also "classics" that could not be included as a main selection.




Mediating Land Use Disputes


Book Description

Land use planning in America began with a concern for the efficient allocation of land, but has shifted to a concern for procedural fairness in allocating public resources, which requires increased stakeholder participation. As outlined in this policy focus report, research has shown that consensus building produces more satisfying outcomes by preparing parties to deal with their differences in the future, gain confidence in the role of government, and empower themselves and others to take greater responsibility for land use decisions that affect them.