Regional planning

Template:Infobox policy Regional planning is a branch of planning that deals with the efficient placement of land use activities, infrastructure, and settlement growth across a significantly larger area of land than an individual city or town. The focus of regional planning is to coordinate the environment, infrastructure, and economic mechanisms across a broad area to improve the overall quality of life and the sustainability of the resources in the region.

Overview

Regional planning involves understanding the landscape, environment, social, and economic issues of a region and formulating strategies to foster development while preserving the natural resources and environment. The process includes the management of urban sprawl, transportation networks, economic development, and environmental protection. Regional plans typically cover areas that span multiple jurisdictions and can range from a metropolitan region to a cross-border area.

Goals of Regional Planning

The primary goals of regional planning include:

• Sustainable development: Ensuring that the development meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
• Economic efficiency: Promoting a competitive economy that can provide jobs and wealth to the region’s inhabitants.
• Environmental protection: Managing natural resources wisely to ensure that the environment is protected and enhanced.
• Social equity: Ensuring that the benefits of development are shared widely across all communities in the region, with a focus on improving the quality of life for all residents.

Processes and Techniques

Regional planning employs various processes and techniques, including:

• Geographic Information Systems (GIS): Used to analyze and visualize spatial data to aid in planning and decision-making.
• Public consultation: Engaging with the public to gather input and feedback on planning proposals and strategies.
• Environmental impact assessment (EIA): A process to evaluate the environmental effects of a proposed development before the decision is made to move forward.
• Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA): A system of incorporating environmental considerations into policies, plans, and programs.

Challenges

Regional planning faces several challenges:

• Coordination across multiple jurisdictions: Different laws, policies, and priorities can complicate the planning process.
• Balancing development and conservation: Finding the right balance between growth and the protection of natural and cultural resources can be difficult.
• Funding and resources: Adequate funding and resources are necessary to implement regional plans effectively.

Examples of Regional Planning Organizations

• Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO): In the United States, MPOs are responsible for planning transportation and other infrastructure investments in metropolitan regions.
• Regional Development Agencies (RDAs): These agencies are involved in addressing economic development issues in a region.

See Also

• Urban planning
• Environmental planning
• Spatial planning