This volume offers a unique and personal perspective on the evolution of the city planning profession and its pivotal role in shaping modern governance. Commissioned by the American Institute of Planners to mark a half-century of professional activity, this work delves into the rich history of planning in America. With access to vast resources, including the archives of the University of California, Berkeley, the author has meticulously gathered not just the obvious historical sources but also unearthed forgotten municipal reports, old newspaper editorials, and civic committee minutes. These insights illuminate the broader social, economic, and political forces that influenced city planning, making this volume an indispensable resource for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics that shaped American urban growth. What sets this work apart is its acknowledgment of the contributions made by individuals outside the formal planning profession. From financiers and industrialists to legislators and academics, a wide range of participants played crucial roles in advancing planning as a discipline. This collaborative spirit, alongside the growing legislative support for planning, has pushed the field to the forefront of American public life. The volume underscores the vast potential of city planning to improve societal structures and environments, while also calling for continued innovation and the attraction of creative minds to ensure the profession remains as dynamic from within as it is influenced from without.

This title was originally published in 1969.
This volume offers a unique and personal perspective on the evolution of the city planning profession and its pivotal role in shaping modern governance. Commissioned by the American Institute of Planners to mark a half-century of professional activity, th