The need for proactive environmental planning in local government: Examining challenges and pathways forward in Indiana

ABSTRACT

Many factors, including regulations, community values, and economic and environmental considerations, influence environmental planning decisions. Across the nation, local elected and appointed boards and commissions are responsible for planning and land use regulations. However, few studies have focused on environmental planning through comprehensive and parks and recreation plans. Using Indiana communities as a case study, this research highlights the theory and practice of environmental planning and community development, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and the presence of social capital. Statewide focus groups found that communities integrate varying environmental planning processes into comprehensive and parks and recreation plans. As a result, these plans represent underutilized potential to guide conservation and collaboration. Integrating environmental planning into local government activities is limited by time, political will, and community awareness. As such, communities need continued support and resources to build social capital that leads to engaging with the public, decision-makers, and collaborators in meaningful ways to foster effective environmental planning.

KEYWORDS:

• Community development
• collaboration
• environmental planning
• local government
• social capital

Acknowledgments

This work was supported by Purdue University College of Agriculture’s Agricultural Science and Extension for Economic Development (AgSEED) program. Michael Wilcox, Purdue Extension Community Development, and Tyler Wright, Purdue Center for Regional Development, created the community capitals framework graphic with Lionel (Bo) Beaulieu and Kara Salazar. Much appreciation goes to the time and contributions from municipal and county planning departments, plan commissions, parks and recreation departments, parks and recreation boards, and Purdue Extension offices across the state.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The work was supported by the Purdue University College of Agriculture’s Agricultural Science and Extension for Economic Development (AgSEED) program.