In June 2012 the American Planning Association (APA)
released a comprehensive national survey to “objectively determine what the
general public wants from community planning and what perceptions exist.”1 This research was precipitated by Tea
Party and anti-Agenda 21 activists who have systematically attempted to
constrict or eliminate local and state planning laws throughout the country,
and more specifically in Virginia. In Arlington (VA) we have long held that we,
Arlington, are planning our way to prosperity. One need look no further than
our urban villages to see that a very small portion of our geography provides a
huge portion of our tax revenues and that it is a direct outgrowth of a
deliberate plan.
Of the APA survey respondents, “most do not feel that enough
planning for economic growth is happening in their local communities and do not
believe that ‘market forces’ alone will lift the economic situation out of
crisis.” Some 67% believe that “community planning is important to economic
recovery.” The highest priority for community planners should be job creation
according to respondents. Very interestingly, the survey indicated that one of
the key features of an “ideal” community is the proximity of locally owned
businesses. Of course it is partly a function of the recession, but planning is
seen by most to be an essential element of economic success.
I have long believed that planning and economic development
are irretrievably linked. Arlington may even be a national poster child for
linking the two. There can be no question that our plans have reflected market
realities, after all, the private sector builds the buildings and private
tenants (largely) fill them. However, Arlington planners’ understanding of real
estate economics has enabled us to ensure that plans will be implemented by
using market forces as a guide to what is achievable. We have been moving
up-market, planning for higher grade development that is more expensive and
higher yielding from a tax standpoint. Good planning has changed our market
position itself, enabling the development of a better quality environment.
Arlingtonians want the same things as other Americans – a
high quality of life with great amenities. Only great planning can provide
these. When we look at a specific issue such as local retailers, we can be
proud that 77% of the retail tenants in Clarendon and other parts of the County
are local or regional and not chains or franchises. We need both, who would
want to live without the Apple Store after all, but we are not Everywhere USA,
we have our own local character that differentiates us from other places. That
too is a function of our emphasis on urban retail with less reliance on
shopping centers and malls that depend largely on national retailers, which is
something we planned. A few years ago Clarendon was awarded the APA designation
as one of America’s Great Places
for both its community quality and its economic success, the result of good
planning.
I really don’t need to point out the obvious to
Arlingtonians – that planning yields a great community. But not every locality
has the same planning culture that we do. As I talk to planners and economic
developers from around the country and the world, Arlington’s commitment to
planning and its linkage to economic development are rare and enviable. As
planners we are doing the right things well as evidenced by our success at
building both community character and economic prosperity. It is incumbent on
all of us to be ambassadors for planning and to make sure that we continue to
provide a legislative environment that allows us to successfully plan for
prosperity.
Terry Holzheimer, FAICP
Director, Arlington Economic
Development
