Community Planning is an introductory textbook that provides a thorough examination of the comprehensive planning process as practiced in the United States today. The authors consider all aspects of the comprehensive plan: its elements, adoption, and implementation. The book:

• Introduces the planning student to the job of a planner

• Defines and explains the importance of a comprehensive plan

• Details the separate elements that make up the comprehensive plan

• Directs students to resources for obtaining data necessary for creating and updating a plan

• Provides techniques for citizen participation

The authors begin with a series of six chapters that offer a step-by-step approach to creating a comprehensive plan for a city, county, town, or village. Following that, they consider focused and specialized plans for particular geographic areas (neighborhoods or downtowns) or for particular planning topics (transportation, parks and recreation). The book concludes with a section that presents techniques of plan implementation.

Each chapter ends with separate boxes that consider, for that stage of development, the role of the planner and how citizens can participate in and influence the planning process. In addition, each chapter presents exercises designed to reinforce the learning in the chapter and offers questions for further discussion.
By using the framework of the comprehensive plan and walking the reader through the planning process, the authors clearly demonstrate what planners do, and how citizens can become involved in shaping the future of their community. The book will be an invaluable resource for students and faculty in planning departments across the country.