Planner Course

Lesson 1 • History and Evolution of Planning

Traces planning from ancient settlements to modern practice. Provides historical context that informs contemporary planning decisions and professional identity.

Lesson 2 • Core Planning Theories and Frameworks

Introduces rational, communicative, and equity-based planning theories. Students apply these frameworks to interpret real-world planning scenarios.

Lesson 3 • Roles and Responsibilities of Planners

Defines planner roles across public, private, and nonprofit sectors. Clarifies professional duties, ethical obligations, and stakeholder relationships.

Lesson 4 • Introduction to Planning Documents

Surveys key planning documents including general plans, zoning codes, and master plans. Students distinguish document types and their legal and policy functions.

Lesson 1 • Data Visualisation and Reporting

Translates complex datasets into clear charts, maps, and written summaries. Ensures planning findings are accessible to decision-makers and the public.

Lesson 2 • Qualitative Research in Planning

Covers interviews, focus groups, and observational methods for capturing community knowledge. Complements quantitative data with contextual insight.

Lesson 3 • Demographic and Socioeconomic Analysis

Applies population and economic indicators to forecast needs and assess equity. Directly supports land use, housing, and infrastructure planning.

Lesson 4 • Quantitative Data Sources and Methods

Identifies primary and secondary data sources used in planning research. Students select appropriate datasets and apply basic statistical techniques.

Lesson 1 • GIS Fundamentals and Spatial Concepts

Introduces coordinate systems, projections, and layer-based data models. Establishes the spatial literacy needed for all subsequent GIS work.

Lesson 2 • Spatial Analysis Techniques

Covers buffering, overlay, proximity, and network analysis methods. Students apply these tools to answer planning questions about land use and access.

Lesson 3 • Open Data and Web-Based GIS Tools

Explores publicly available spatial datasets and browser-based mapping platforms. Students leverage open data to reduce cost and increase analytical reach.

Lesson 4 • Remote Sensing and Aerial Imagery

Introduces satellite and aerial imagery interpretation for land cover analysis. Expands data collection capacity beyond traditional parcel-level records.

Lesson 1 • Zoning Code Structure and Design

Covers zoning district types, use classifications, and development standards. Students draft zoning provisions that implement comprehensive plan policies.

Lesson 2 • Subdivision and Site Plan Review

Covers subdivision design standards and site plan review criteria. Students assess proposed subdivisions for infrastructure adequacy and design quality.

Lesson 3 • Mixed-Use and Transit-Oriented Development

Examines design and regulatory strategies for walkable, mixed-use places. Applies transit-oriented development principles to zoning and site planning.

Lesson 4 • Development Review and Permitting

Walks through discretionary and ministerial permit processes. Students evaluate project applications for consistency with zoning and plan policies.

Lesson 1 • Designing a Participation Programme

Integrates engagement methods into a phased participation plan for a planning project. Students produce a complete public participation programme with timeline and budget.

Lesson 2 • Reaching Underrepresented Communities

Addresses strategies for engaging low-income, non-English-speaking, and marginalised groups. Ensures participation reflects the full community, not just vocal majorities.

Lesson 3 • Facilitation and Meeting Management

Builds skills in running productive, inclusive public meetings and workshops. Students practise managing conflict, balancing voices, and documenting outcomes.

Lesson 4 • Engagement Methods and Tools

Surveys in-person and digital engagement techniques for diverse audiences. Students select and adapt methods to match project context and community needs.

Lesson 1 • Vision and Goals Development

Facilitates community visioning and translates aspirations into measurable goals. Ensures the plan reflects diverse community values and priorities.

Lesson 2 • Implementation and Monitoring Programmes

Develops action programmes, responsible parties, and performance indicators. Ensures the plan translates into measurable outcomes over time.

Lesson 3 • Policy Writing and Alternatives Analysis

Teaches clear, action-oriented policy writing and structured alternatives evaluation. Students draft policies and compare land use scenarios against plan goals.

Lesson 4 • Scoping and Work Programme Design

Establishes the scope, schedule, and resource requirements for a planning project. Students develop a realistic work programme aligned with community needs.

Lesson 1 • Housing Needs Assessment

Quantifies current and projected housing needs by income level and household type. Directly informs housing element goals and site capacity analysis.

Lesson 2 • Housing Market Analysis

Examines supply, demand, pricing, and vacancy dynamics in local housing markets. Provides the analytical foundation for evidence-based housing policy.

Lesson 3 • Affordable Housing Finance Basics

Introduces funding sources, subsidy programmes, and financing structures for affordable housing. Enables planners to evaluate project feasibility and partner with developers.

Lesson 4 • Anti-Displacement and Housing Equity

Addresses gentrification, displacement risk, and tenant protection strategies. Students integrate equity analysis into housing planning and policy recommendations.

Lesson 1 • Capital Improvement Programming

Links plan policies to multi-year capital budgets and infrastructure investment schedules. Students prioritise projects using need, equity, and fiscal capacity criteria.

Lesson 2 • Regulatory and Incentive Implementation Tools

Surveys development agreements, impact fees, and incentive zoning as implementation mechanisms. Students match tools to plan objectives and political context.

Lesson 3 • Navigating Political and Institutional Dynamics

Prepares planners to work effectively within political environments and bureaucratic structures. Students develop strategies for building coalitions and advancing plan adoption.

Lesson 4 • Strategic Planning Frameworks

Introduces SWOT, scenario planning, and backcasting as strategic tools for planners. Students apply frameworks to identify leverage points and long-term pathways.