Class Central is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Leadership in Planning: How to Effectively Advance Great Urban Planning Initiatives

Massachusetts Institute of Technology via edX

Overview

This course teaches practicing and aspiring city planners – and those in related fields – how to take good ideas and make them happen. Since the failures of urban renewal in the US and elsewhere in the world, the planning profession has struggled with the perception that bold planning meant doing bad things to communities. This course challenges that concept by separating out the effective leadership skills planners need from the bad decisions many planners made in the mid-20th century.

In this course:

  • Young planners just starting out will learn how to position themselves for success
  • Mid-career professionals will gain the skills needed to get ahead in their organization and field
  • Planning Directors and other senior managers will learn how to work within complex organizations to both make great planning happen – and keep their jobs!

This course is not your typical course in city planning. Nor is it like the business management courses offered on leadership in the private sector. This course is specifically designed for planners in public and non-profit organizations, as well as planning practitioners in private consulting who work with public agencies.

How is this course different? Unlike many traditional planning courses, we look at where planning practice runs up against politics and management challenges. We will look at media relations as well as how to work within complex organizations to advance great plans. We’ll also look at models such as strategic planning and facilitative leadership that help get things done.

Finally, we offer a series of video case studies with experienced planners who have founded great planning organizations, implemented important plans, and advanced policy initiatives.

Advance your planning career as a leader in planning, with the help of this course!

Syllabus

The Challenge of Leading as a Professional Planner

  • The Arrogance of Urban Renewal, Reactions, and Complex Characters
  • Challenges of the Current Planning Paradigm
  • Case Studies in Leading Planners

Managing and Leading a Planning Office

  • Why is Leading Important?
  • Leading a Planning Office

Keeping Planning Issues in the Forefront of an Organization

  • Managing Up
  • Leading Public Opinion
  • Internal/External Relations Case Study

Making a Compelling Case for Planning in the Public Arena

  • Facilitative Leadership
  • Being a Good Listener
  • Strategic Planning

When Planners Get It Right

  • Case Studies in Facilitation and Strategic Planning
  • Looking Back and Looking Forward

Taught by

Jeff Levine

Reviews

Start your review of Leadership in Planning: How to Effectively Advance Great Urban Planning Initiatives

Never Stop Learning.

Get personalized course recommendations, track subjects and courses with reminders, and more.

Someone learning on their laptop while sitting on the floor.