02/14/2025

Keep Going

By Ryan Peterson, AICP, Senior Planner, Epstein

In the best of times, urban planning can be methodical. Even when everything is going right, projects take time. Add in shifting political priorities, unexpected challenges, and bureaucratic red tape, and the process moves even slower. And now, with federal funding uncertainty, many of us are seeing projects that were already years in the making grind to a halt.

I know I'm preaching to the choir when I say that the work of urban planning is often underappreciated. So much of what we do is invisible—until it isn't. This uncertainty reminds us that the built environment is never neutral; it shapes how people move, interact, and experience their communities. It can foster connection or create division, support economic mobility or reinforce inequality, enhance safety, or leave people vulnerable. Every street design, zoning decision, and transportation investment either expands or limits access, opportunity, and quality of life. Planning isn't just about infrastructure—it's about who gets to thrive, who gets left behind, and how communities evolve for future generations.

Despite the frustration, I'm grateful for the local, regional, and national leaders who continue to push forward, finding ways to keep progress moving even when federal priorities change. Planners, engineers, and policymakers work behind the scenes every day to ensure that projects, initiatives, and advocacy efforts don't stall or disappear when financial challenges arise. Their leadership is essential in helping communities stay on track and continue making progress, even in uncertain times.

We can learn from strong leadership and recognize that each of us has a role in shaping the future of our communities and those we serve. Urban planning exists at the intersection of policy, funding, and community needs, making it impossible to separate our work from the political climates that influence it. Every decision—whether about housing, transportation, or public space—directly impacts people's lives, and with that impact comes a responsibility to lead with knowledge, conviction, and purpose. It is not easy to plan for those who disagree with us, and at times, it can feel frustrating to push forward when our work is met with skepticism or resistance. But we don't do this work because it's easy—we do it because it's necessary. While it's important to remain respectful of differing viewpoints, we cannot retreat from good planning principles or avoid necessary change just because it is met with resistance. And just as importantly, we must continue to plan for everyone—including those who may disagree with us or not support our work in the moment.  In times when equity, justice, and the needs of historically underserved communities are too often overlooked, our role as planners ensures that these voices remain at the center of our work.

It's easy to get caught up in the bureaucracy, the grant cycles, and the endless hurdles, but I try to remind myself to zoom out and remember why we do this work. A zoning change means an older adult can downsize to an apartment in their neighborhood, aging in place. A new grocery co-op brings fresh, affordable food to a long-overlooked neighborhood, eliminating a food desert and giving residents access to nutritious options close to home. A new bike path gives families a safe place to walk and bike, connecting them to schools, libraries, and parks. A new paratransit service enables an older adult to reach their dialysis appointment safely and reliably. A new bus route shortens a single parent's commute, giving them back precious time with their children. A new public space plan maps out parks, trails, and green spaces where residents can connect with nature, socialize, and find moments of peace. A flood mitigation project keeps businesses open after heavy rain instead of shuttering due to damage. A public plaza transforms an underutilized space into a hub for community gatherings, farmers' markets, and local performances. These everyday moments aren't just side effects of urban planning, they are the direct results of our work. The impact of our work is measured not just in infrastructure but in the quality of life improvements that make communities more livable, accessible, and resilient.

If the challenges ever feel overwhelming, remember that you're not in this alone. The planning community is full of people who have faced similar obstacles and are willing to share their knowledge, offer guidance, and provide support. Whether it's a mentor, a colleague, or a fellow advocate, there is always someone ready to chat, offer advice, and provide motivation. Don't hesitate to reach out—collaboration and shared experience make us all stronger, and together, we can continue pushing for change.

If I can offer a suggestion, take the opportunity to catch your breath during delays caused by shifts at the federal level. Remind yourself that you're doing great, that your work is meaningful, and that you're genuinely making a difference. Even when the delays are lifted and things speed up again, pause and reflect on these truths. When the time comes to move forward, aim even higher. Be bolder. Push for the kind of change that doesn't just improve communities incrementally but transforms them for generations to come.

Photo credit: Ryan Peterson, AICP