Lincoln Policy Focus Report Explores Opening Access to Scenario Tools and Approaches

Jason Lally, PlaceMatters

Opening Access to Scenario Planning Tools is the most recent policy focus report to come from the Lincoln Institute of Land Policy. The policy focus reports attempt to bridge theory and practice by providing case studies, research, and other contributions from a mix of practitioners and scholars in a variety of disciplines. This report examines the current state of scenario planning, the promise of scenario planning tools, the challenges to expanding their use, and their potential to open access to the planning process. It makes specific recommendations to advance the use of scenarios and scenario planning tools, including development of an online platform to facilitate collaboration, capacity building, and open source activities among scenario tool developers, urban planners, and other tools users. The report is the result of a collaboration amongst many organizations and individuals led by the Lincoln Institute and the Sonoran Institute. It is available in hardcopy and digital formats. Drop by Lincoln’s booth at the APA conference to pick up your copy and find out more at http://www.ScenarioPlanningTools.org or http://www.sonoraninstitute.org/scenario-planning-tool-development.html