Chapter 1 | Some Overarching Issues: Sustainability, Sprawl, and Human Health

This chapter introduces these subjects and places them in the context of modern planning practice; extensive references in the chapter lead to more information for those who want to explore these topics further.

Chapter 2 | Introduction to Planning

This chapter provides a brief introduction to planning in general and to the comprehensive plan. It describes the process typically used in creating a comprehensive plan and the challenges of creating a cohesive plan in a democratic and participatory society.

Chapter 3 | Introduction to the Comprehensive Plan

This chapter introduces the concept of the comprehensive plan. It provides a brief history of comprehensive planning. It outlines the elements of a comprehensive plan and it explains its three essential characteristics.

Chapter 4 | Analysis of Existing Conditions

In most community plans, a variety of social, economic and physical characteristics of a community provide the context from which a new plan must start. This chapter explains how planners inventory and evaluate existing conditions as a starting point for a plan.

Chapter 5 | Projecting Possible Futures for the Community

In planning, it is important to focus on what can be. This chapter deals with methods of determining what is feasible as part of a comprehensive planning process.

Chapter 6 | Involving Citizens in Making a Plan

People who live, work, and/or own property in a community should help to make the comprehensive plan for that community. This chapter discusses techniques for undertaking the complex process of involving citizens effectively in making a master plan or comprehensive plan.