Contemporary Urban Planning

by John M. Levy

Based on the author's extensive experience as a working planner, this book gives readers an insider's view of sub-state urban planning?the ?nitty-gritty? details on the interplay of politics, law, money, and interest groups. The author takes a balanced, non-judgmental approach to introduce a range of ideological and political perspectives on the operation of political, economic, and demographic forces in city planning. Unlike other books on the subject, this one is strong in its coverage of economics, law, finance, and urban governance. It examines the underlying forces of growth and change and discusses frankly who benefits and loses by particular decisions. A four-part organization covers the background and development of contemporary planning; the structure and practice of contemporary planning; fields of planning; and national planning in the United States and other nations, and planning theory. For individuals headed for a career in planning.

Genres: Urban Planning, Nonfiction, Geography, Urbanism, Reference, Urban Design, Urban Studies

370 pages, Paperback

First published April 1, 1988

Reviews

[Laurie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is very USAmerica focused, so I do wonder how all of the political stuff would apply in Canada. However, overall I think it is very interesting.

The chapters cover a variety of topics in different manners including case studies, historical studies, and comparison analysis. It provides solid overviews on all of the topics covered with concrete real-world examples.

Loved the history stuff. I personally find the history of urban development so interesting, scratches such a cool itch that I have by explaining the way things are right now.

[Evangelina R · Rating 3 out of 5]

Walkable city advocate

[Beccs Gonzalez · Rating 5 out of 5]

Required textbook for my Growth and Sustainable Development of Cities class
This is perfect urban planning book for dummies who are lost in what urban planning really means. it includes the history of planning, city planning movements, and the politics around urban planning and what powers urban planners really have
it’s the perfect introductory textbook that i’m upset i read my second semester of my junior year instead of the first. had i read this book first, i would have been all caught up.
it’s literally the PERFECT textbook.

[Liz Hayes · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was used as the text for an introductory urban planning course in a master of science in real estate program. It is well written and dense. Chapters each stand on their own. This one is a keeper-Routledge does a great job with these sorts of text books.

[Peter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book one of my AICP exam study material. A good survey of history, themes, and practice of planning in America.
...I hope, anyway.

[Jules]

Very useful book for overview of the planning profession or preparing for AICP exam. An engaging and thought provoking read.

[Alexander · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the edge of my seat from page one til the end

[Hatim · Rating 4 out of 5]

How strange to say a textbook is a good read. It's urban planning, so there's an upper limit, but this textbook does a good job on emphasizing the most interesting parts of the subject matter.

[Jeremy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my textbooks. The content's wonderful, but I can't get over the typos and grammatical errors throughout it - $80 for a USED book, so you'd think someone would proofread it. Boo.

Good book though. Simple and informative.

[Doron · Rating 3 out of 5]

A much better and more manageable book then the "Green Book"

[Ashhab · Rating 4 out of 5]

great book

[Mohammad Alrimawi]

nothing

[Val · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book helped me through studying for the AICP exam. This book is a great resource, and easy to read!

[Eliz L · Rating 3 out of 5]

good for aicp studying. nice overview of multiple topics.

[Jenifer]

fg