Collaborative Land-Use Management: The Quieter Revolution in Place-Based Planning

Professor Mason captures the essence of today’s environmentalism through the smart use of techniques available in our system of local land use controls. He makes a compelling argument that this place-based approach to land management holds the best political promise for continuing to strive for sustainable development and addressing climate change. The unevenness of the ‘Quieter Revolution’ resulting from a decentralized policy approach is precisely what allows place-based planning to effectively address issues of environmental injustice and to counter ‘bigger picture’ arguments lobbed by the wise-use and property rights movements. This is a must-read about the current politics and the policies behind the delicate balance between land development and land conservation. — Patricia E. Salkin, Associate Dean and Director, Government Law Center of Albany Law School

This timely book rightly focuses on innovations in land use planning in cities and regions where the public and private sectors are working together to create better communities. Robert Mason convincingly explores both the achievements and obstacles of place-based planning. This ‘Quieter Revolution’ of local planning partnerships will bear a large responsibility for America’s environment and quality of life in the coming decades. — Tom Daniels, Professor of City and Regional Planning, University of Pennsylvania

Robert J. Mason has done us a favor by informing us of the many “below the radar screen” ways in which important landscapes can be preserved despite limitations in state planning and regulatory authority and often in spite of local governments’ unwillingness to exercise their authority. He presents a rich tapestry of public, private, and non-profit tools and techniques that are used to preserve perhaps millions of acres of land each year from development. Collaborative Land-Use Management is an important contribution to the preservation, urban planning, and landscape planning literature. — Arthur C. Nelson PhD, FAICP, director, Metropolitan Institute at Virginia Tech

The concepts and discussion that Mason raises are of wider relevance and interest. — Ralph Hamann ― Environment

Rob Mason is on to something . . . and something important! Quietly and without much fanfare, a new phase in the long struggle for sound land-use planning and management has been occurring across the nation. This book provides the first comprehensive analysis and critique of the movement. It is an outstanding contribution. — Mark B. Lapping, Distinguished Professor, Edmund S. Muskie School of Public Service, University of Southern Maine

A very good book for presenting the background on the status of collaborative planning….Highly recommended. ― CHOICE

Mason has given us something of a handbook for the near future of environmentalism in the United States….A century from now, the book will still be relevant. ― Professional Geographer, February 2009