It takes a very long time to get results on many projects as can be seen in this Retrospective. Once these projects are completed, though, the benefits are sweet and everyone gains. It takes perseverance, resolve and skill to go through. Because of this, County Planning is an art, not a science. It requires good judgment, good data, and strong political support.
Planning generally implies thought before action.
Whereas this interpretation is quite general and might apply to any type of preconceived action, it is desirable that we have a more exact meaning of planning for communities. Community planning essentially is that process by which decisions are systematically made concerning the long-range pattern for growth and change in the community. Properly, this planning should take into account all available knowledge on social, economic and physical factors concerning the community and should lead to decisions reflecting a high concept of the public interest. In most states, statutes have been enacted authorizing the formation of local and county planning boards or commissions. These groups are primarily advisory and have a responsibility for reporting to the legislative body.