Sustainable Regional Principles, Planning and Transportation from Coursera

This course will provide students with an introduction to sustainable regional principles, regional planning concepts and evaluate regional transportation system issues. This will be achieved through dynamic video lectures, practical case studies and the evaluation of practices for success. These will include discussions of the importance of the regional plan, how to engage community involvement, the importance of understanding a development transect and others. Strategies for growth priorities, along with consideration of available housing and food security will also be addressed. The concepts of providing a rural preserve and a rural reserve will be evaluated and mapping of key aspects of the region, such as neighborhoods and districts will be explained. Evaluation of regional transportation systems will be addressed including multi-mobile balance and building choices into the transportation system modes. The considerations for including a regional railway system along with accommodating user mobility and accessibility will be explored.

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

- Formulate the relationship between regional principles, smart growth, and sustainability.

- Evaluate growth priorities, community involvement and scale of governance to achieve sustainable smart growth.

- Evaluate and explain regional mapping of rural preserves, rural reserves, neighborhoods, and districts as important tools in regional smart growth planning.

- Describe the implications of mapping corridors and regional centers to the overall smart growth planning at the regional level.

This course is for :

- Government Officials involved planning, designing, monitoring, enforcement, and assessment of sustainable project developments at the local, state, and federal level.

- Private sector companies in the transportation and municipal design and construction business.

- Architects interested in advancing sustainable concepts for cities and communities.

- Foundations, associations, and other NGOs that support smart growth strategies.

- Academic faculty and students studying and researching community sustainability and resilience.

- Private citizens interested in improving their communities and living conditions.

The following list identifies background knowledge that will help you succeed in this course.

- helpful to have a general understanding of how public/private projects are planned and implemented

- have a strong interest or experience in planning and developing regional sustainable development plans

- familiar with how government organizations function in the areas of transportation planning and project development

- served as a volunteer committee member or leader on regional transportation projects and/or regional policy development initiatives

- have a background and interest in environmental protection plans and projects

- a general knowledge of regional transportation project planning and implementation

- general knowledge or experience in public participation in governmental policy development

- a strong interest and/or experience in improving the urban environment for the benefit of its citizens

- have a general knowledge of legal and policy issues involved in sustainable development

- have experience or general knowledge of social equity issues

What's inside

Syllabus

Sustainable Regional Fundamentals

This module will evaluate important regional issues that provide part of the foundation for a sustainable city. Regional principles will be evaluated in the context of developing a regional plan for sustainability.

Regional Planning Including Developmental Priorities

This module will address issues related to neighborhood strategies for protecting the natural context of the neighborhood as well as the importance of the different, opponents necessary to have a welcoming and functional neighborhood. Structures will also be evaluated as an important part of the character of the neighborhood.

Regional Transportation System and the Land – Use Connection

This module will evaluate sustainable options for the important physical, components for the transportation infrastructure within the region.

Case Study of the Fairfax County, Virginia Comprehensive Transportation Plan

This module will evaluate sustainable options for the important physical, components for the transportation infrastructure within the Fairfax County Virginia Comprehensive Transportation Plan.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Builds a strong foundation for beginners in regional planning and transportation system issues

Taught by William Roper, an instructor recognized for their work in regional planning

Examines regional planning principles in the context of developing a regional plan for sustainability

Develops important skills for government officials and planning professionals

Offers a comprehensive overview of sustainable regional planning and transportation system

Provides practical case studies and evaluation of practices for success

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Sustainable Regional Principles, Planning and Transportation with these activities:

Review Course Syllabus

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Review the course syllabus to familiarize yourself with the course objectives, structure, and schedule. This will help you set realistic expectations and plan your study time effectively.

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Read the course description and learning objectives.
Review the course schedule and note important deadlines.
Identify any required textbooks or materials.

Explore online resources on regional planning

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Enhance your understanding of regional planning concepts by exploring credible online resources and tutorials.

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Identify reputable websites, articles, and videos on regional planning
Review and synthesize information from multiple sources

Revisit prior knowledge of how to engage community involvement

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Review concepts of involving the community to better prepare and optimize engagement in your regional planning endeavors.

Browse courses on Community Involvement

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Review best practices for stakeholder outreach and engagement.
Consider the different methods of community engagement and identify those that are most appropriate for your region.

Seven other activities

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Review basic transportation planning principles

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Refresh your knowledge of basic transportation planning principles to strengthen your foundation for this course.

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Review textbook chapters on transportation planning principles.
Complete practice problems or exercises related to transportation planning.
Attend a webinar or workshop on transportation planning.

Evaluate regional planning case studies

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Analyze case studies of successful regional planning projects to gain insights into best practices and challenges.

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Choose a case study related to sustainable regional development
Identify the key planning principles and strategies used in the case study
Assess the outcomes and impact of the planning interventions

Evaluate and analyze regional transportation systems

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Practice assessing transportation systems to identify areas for improvement and optimize mobility within your region.

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Gather data on existing transportation infrastructure, including roads, public transit, and bike paths.
Analyze data to identify areas of congestion, safety concerns, and accessibility gaps.
Develop and evaluate alternative transportation plans to address identified issues.

Participate in a regional planning discussion group

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Engage with peers to exchange ideas, share experiences, and expand your understanding of regional planning.

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Join or create a discussion group focused on regional planning
Actively participate in discussions, ask questions, and provide insights
Contribute to the group's knowledge base by sharing relevant resources and perspectives

Map key aspects of a region, such as neighborhoods and districts

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Create visual representations of regional data to enhance understanding of spatial relationships and patterns.

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Identify the key aspects of the region to be mapped, such as land use, population density, and economic activity.
Collect data from various sources, such as census data, GIS databases, and satellite imagery.
Use GIS software to create maps that visualize the data in a clear and concise manner.

Develop a regional sustainability plan

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Simulate the real-world process of creating a regional sustainability plan to apply your knowledge and skills.

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Define the scope and goals of the sustainability plan
Conduct a stakeholder analysis and engagement strategy
Develop a vision and guiding principles for the plan
Identify and prioritize sustainability objectives and strategies
Draft and finalize the sustainability plan

Develop a proposal for a regional transportation improvement project

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Apply your knowledge of regional transportation systems to propose a project that addresses a specific transportation challenge.

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Identify a transportation issue or need in a specific region
Research and analyze potential solutions to the transportation problem
Develop a project proposal outlining the proposed solution, its benefits, and implementation plan

Career center

Learners who complete Sustainable Regional Principles, Planning and Transportation will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Transportation Engineer

Transportation Engineers are responsible for planning, designing, and maintaining transportation systems. This course covers regional transportation system issues and evaluates sustainable options for transportation infrastructure. By understanding the principles of sustainable regional transportation planning, Transportation Engineers can contribute to the development of efficient, environmentally friendly, and equitable transportation systems that meet the needs of their communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Engineer

Transportation Planner

Transportation Planners develop and implement plans for transportation systems. This course provides a thorough understanding of sustainable regional transportation system issues and strategies for building choices into transportation system modes. By gaining this knowledge, Transportation Planners can contribute to the planning and development of sustainable, efficient, and equitable transportation systems.

See salaries and explore the career path for Transportation Planner

Regional Planner

Planners, such as Regional Planners, may play a key role in shaping sustainable growth priorities, community involvement, and scale of governance. This course delves into these topics and provides valuable insights into regional planning to promote sustainable smart growth. Enrolling in this course can help aspiring Regional Planners gain a deeper understanding of the principles and practices involved in sustainable regional planning, which can enhance their ability to develop and implement effective plans for their communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Regional Planner

Urban Planner

Urban Planners are involved in the planning and development of cities and communities. This course provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable regional principles, planning concepts, and transportation system issues. By gaining knowledge in these areas, aspiring Urban Planners can develop a holistic understanding of sustainable urban development and contribute to the creation of livable, sustainable, and resilient communities.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Planner

Land Use Planner

Land Use Planners are responsible for developing and implementing plans for the use of land. This course explores sustainable regional principles, planning concepts, and transportation system issues, providing Land Use Planners with a comprehensive understanding of the factors that shape land use decisions and the tools and techniques for sustainable land use planning.

See salaries and explore the career path for Land Use Planner

Urban Designer

Urban Designers are responsible for designing and planning the physical environment of cities and towns. This course provides a foundation in sustainable regional principles and planning concepts, equipping aspiring Urban Designers with the knowledge and skills to create livable, sustainable, and aesthetically pleasing urban environments.

See salaries and explore the career path for Urban Designer

Sustainability Manager

Sustainability Managers develop and implement sustainability strategies and programs for organizations. This course provides a comprehensive overview of sustainable regional principles, planning concepts, and transportation system issues, equipping aspiring Sustainability Managers with the knowledge and skills to drive sustainability initiatives and create positive environmental and social impact.

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Civil Engineer

Civil Engineers design and build infrastructure, including transportation systems. This course offers insights into sustainable regional transportation system issues and strategies for building choices into transportation system modes. By understanding these principles, Civil Engineers can contribute to the development of sustainable, resilient, and efficient infrastructure projects.

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Environmental Engineer

Environmental Engineers design and implement solutions to environmental problems. This course provides insights into sustainable regional principles and planning, enabling Environmental Engineers to understand the broader context of environmental issues and develop engineering-based solutions for promoting sustainability.

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Climate Adaptation Specialist

Climate Adaptation Specialists develop and implement strategies to help communities and organizations adapt to the impacts of climate change. This course provides a foundation in sustainable regional principles and planning, equipping aspiring Climate Adaptation Specialists with the knowledge and skills to understand climate change impacts and develop effective adaptation strategies.

See salaries and explore the career path for Climate Adaptation Specialist

Sustainability Consultant

Sustainability Consultants advise organizations and governments on environmental, social, and economic sustainability issues. This course offers valuable insights into sustainable regional principles and practices, which can equip aspiring Sustainability Consultants with the knowledge and expertise to help clients develop and implement sustainability strategies and solutions.

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Natural Resources Manager

Natural Resources Managers oversee the management and conservation of natural resources. This course provides a foundation in sustainable regional principles and planning, equipping aspiring Natural Resources Managers with the knowledge and skills to understand the principles of sustainable natural resource management and develop effective conservation strategies.

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Environmental Scientist

Environmental Scientists study the environment and develop solutions to environmental problems. This course provides a foundation in sustainable regional principles and planning, enabling Environmental Scientists to understand the broader context of environmental issues and develop science-based solutions for promoting sustainability.

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Environmental Policy Analyst

Environmental Policy Analysts research, analyze, and develop policies to address environmental issues. This course provides a foundation in sustainable regional principles and planning, which can help Environmental Policy Analysts understand the broader context of environmental issues and develop policies that promote sustainable development.

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Energy Analyst

Energy Analysts research, analyze, and develop policies and strategies related to energy production, distribution, and consumption. This course offers insights into sustainable regional principles and planning, providing Energy Analysts with a comprehensive understanding of the energy-environment nexus and the principles of sustainable energy development.

See salaries and explore the career path for Energy Analyst