ScholarLens Back to search
1994•Journal of Planning Education and ResearchRequires access

The Influence of State Planning Mandates on Local Plan Quality

Philip Berke, Steven P. French

Open publisher page 255 citations

Abstract

After abating somewhat in the early 1980s, state involvement in local planning has regained momentum. States are increasingly adopting new or strengthening existing growth management programs that mandate local governments to prepare and adopt comprehensive plans. This study examines the influence of state mandates on the content and quality of comprehensive plans from 139 local governments in five states. Three components of the plans are analyzed: fact basis, goals, and policies. This study indicates that state mandates have a clearly measurable effect in enhancing plan quality. The findings also suggest that the design of the mandate itself can be important in determining local plan quality.

About this research paper

What this paper is about

After abating somewhat in the early 1980s, state involvement in local planning has regained momentum. States are increasingly adopting new or strengthening existing growth management programs that mandate local governments to prepare and adopt comprehensive plans. This study examines the influence of state mandates on the content and quality of comprehensive plans from 139 local governments in five states. Three components of the plans are analyzed: fact basis, goals, and policies. This study indicates that state mandates have a clearly measurable effect in enhancing plan quality. The findings also suggest that the design of the mandate itself can be important in determining local plan quality.

Why it matters

OpenAlex reports 255 citations for this work. Citation counts describe recorded attention and do not establish research quality.

Key contribution

A contribution statement is not available in the OpenAlex record.

Method / approach

Method details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Main findings

Findings are not separately available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Limitations

Limitations are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Applications

Application details are not available in the OpenAlex metadata.

Available abstract

After abating somewhat in the early 1980s, state involvement in local planning has regained momentum. States are increasingly adopting new or strengthening existing growth management programs that mandate local governments to prepare and adopt comprehensive plans. This study examines the influence of state mandates on the content and quality of comprehensive plans from 139 local governments in five states. Three components of the plans are analyzed: fact basis, goals, and policies. This study indicates that state mandates have a clearly measurable effect in enhancing plan quality. The findings also suggest that the design of the mandate itself can be important in determining local plan quality.

Key concepts: Mandate, Plan (archaeology), Quality (philosophy), State (computer science), Unfunded mandate, Business, Local planning, Public administration

Related papers

Related paper 1Related paper 2Related paper 3
Back to paper searchBrowse research topicsOriginal source
The Influence of State Planning Mandates on Local Plan Quality — Research Paper | ScholarLens