Dialogue on Development - Design with the Desert: Conservation and Sustainable Development - page 339

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Dialogue on Development
Richard A. Malloy
CONTENTS
19.1 Introduction ........................................................................................................................ 341
19.2 Traditional Planning Models ........................................................................................... 342
19.3 Beyond Talk to Solutions .................................................................................................. 343
19.3.1 Create a Vision ..................................................................................................... 343
19.3.2 Public Participation .............................................................................................344
19.3.3 Race to the Bottom............................................................................................... 345
19.3.4 We Are Not L.A., Really? .................................................................................... 345
19.3.5 Who Pays for Development? .............................................................................. 346
19.3.6 Knitting Nature into Development ................................................................... 346
19.3.7 Promote Urban Infill over Fringe Development ............................................. 347
19.3.8 Walls and Gates ................................................................................................... 348
19.3.9 Walkable Cities and Transportation Choices .................................................. 348
19.3.10 Preserving Open Space ....................................................................................... 349
19.3.11 Connecting Water with Growth and Development ....................................... 350
19.3.12 Sustainable Community Design ....................................................................... 350
19.4 Conclusion .......................................................................................................................... 351
19.1 Introduction
We need a sustained and comprehensive dialogue on development in the desert—one
that critiques our plans, aspirations, and values on development. Planning without con-
sidering the limitations of the natural setting of the desert will set the stage for the loss
of time, money, and resources. The ancient cultures of the Southwest had a strong oral
tradition where history, traditions, and values were passed to the next generation through
stories and myth. Modern society has lost part of the heritage that once served us well. In
the recent past, there was a model of planning that involved the delegation of elected or
appointed officials to make decisions on behalf of the community for future development.
It was assumed that these people would act in a benevolent manner in matters of public
welfare, but history has shown that the concept of benevolence has sometimes resulted in
benefit, , backroom deals , and breaking established rules by these officials to get a development
project completed. The 1960s ushered in a new paradigm in project management at the
federal level that provided specific opportunities for the public to have a voice in the plan-
ning process. The average citizen now has an opportunity to participate in projects that
will affect their lives or property.
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