Ho, Grace, "The Planning Decision Making Process: The Effect of Political Influence and the Role of the Planner"

This thesis looks at the extent of political influence and the role of the planner in the planning decision-making process of two case studies in Nova Scotia. The actors involved in the decision-making process--the councillors, planners and interest groups--were interviewed for their perceptions of who had the power and influence in the decision-making process of each case. The planners were also asked to specifically describe their roles in the cases studied.

Four questions were posed in the analysis of each case:

1. How has the planning process been used in each case? What does this tell us about its adaptive potential and its values?

2. Who has demanded what from the planning process and how has the system met these demands? What does this tell us about who has benefited from the planning process?

3. Through what types of processes have interests been mediated in the planning process, and what does this tell us about how powerful forces can be reinforced or counteracted through the policies and practices of the planning process?

4. What is the implication of the findings of these cases in terms of the future role, instruments and institutional arrangements of the planning process?

The study yielded four main conclusions:

First, planning is a political activity, and as such ,planners must act politically and not be content with their roles as technical advisors. Second, planners must act as "bridges" linking the different interests in the planning process; planners are most effective as action-oriented facilitators who guide action and educate the public. Third, there is no single role that the planner should play although he should have all the necessary skills at hand. Finally, the statutory framework under which planners work is only the starting point for planning--it enables rather than limits planning. It is the planner's conviction to do effective planning that makes the difference.

Atlantic Planners Institute

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This document was last modified on November 14, 2000.