Regional Collaboration

Countless examples across the country (and arguably the world) suggest that “planning across boundaries” is fast becoming one of the major puzzles in land-use policy. This puzzle is defined by two fundamental points. First, the territory of many land use problems transcends the legal and geographic reach of existing jurisdictions and institutions (public, private, and other). This mismatch between the geography of the problem and the geography of existing institutions leads to the second point: the people affected by such problems have interdependent interests, which means that none of them have sufficient power or authority to adequately address the problems on their own.

As we move into the twenty-first century, there seem to be three basic responses to this planning puzzle: (1) create new regional institutions; (2) realign existing institutions to correspond to the geography of the problem; and (3) engage people with diverse interests and viewpoints in more informal, ad hoc regional forums. Whether formal or informal, top-down or bottom-up, regional initiatives provide opportunities that would not otherwise exist to solve land-use problems that transcend multiple jurisdictions, sectors, and disciplines.

The purpose of this workshop is to both build and share knowledge about regional collaboration. It highlights some of the most promising case studies around the country, focusing on what works, what doesn’t, and what lessons can be transferred. The workshop is also an opportunity to examine emerging policy issues, and to share the practical skills that the Lincoln Institute and others have gleaned over the years through research and hands-on clinics. Toward the end of the workshop, participants have an opportunity to apply what they have learned and develop an action plan on a regional land-use issue that is important to them.

For more information on this professional development course, please contact the Center.

The Center, in partnership with the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy, maintains a web site dedicated to regional collaboration.