Public policy: Aesthetic, historic preservation, growth, transportation, housing

Aesthetic

1. What are the arguments for and against the regulation of aesthetic matters in public policy?
2. In what circumstances (if any) do you think billboards should be banned?
3. Is 'preservation of community character' a legitimate matter for land use regulation?
4. Do you think that good design will show up in market prices and quality of life?
5. How do earlier principles of New Urbanism differ from earlier development?

Historic preservation

1. In what ways can historic preservation be integrated with land use planning?
2. Discuss ways in which historic preservation policies impact on the federal government.
3. On what grounds is it justifiable to give public subsidy for the preservation of old buildings?

Growth Management and Local Government

1. Describe the various methods of managing local urban growth. Which do you think is the most effective?
2. Evaluate the reasons for protecting farmland. Do they appeal to you?

Transportation

1. How far can land use planning controls be used to lessen traffic?
2. Discuss the issue that parking controls are the single most effective means of traffic involvement.
3. How viable is comprehensive transportation planning?

Housing

1. How does the importance of housing affect land use planning?
2. Compare the ways in which motor vehicles and houses 'filter' down to lower income groups.
3. Can discrimination be effectively controlled or at even lessened by legislation?

Community and Economic Development

1. What are the objectives of community and economic development?
2. Are incentives for economic development justifiable?
3. What are the ingredients for a successful local economic development policy?
4. Why is urban policy so difficult?