Co-Crafting the Just City: Tales from the Field by a Planning Scholar Turned Mayor

The 2016 election in Iowa City presented a chance for a planning faculty member to become mayor. In his book, former Mayor James A. Throgmorton shares his experiences and insights into the roles of democratically-elected city council members and mayors. He proposes a practical theory about how city futures are shaped, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and persuasive storytelling by mayors. The book documents efforts to address race-related inequities, increase affordable housing, adopt a climate action plan, improve relationships with marginalized communities, and pursue inclusive and sustainable land development. It will be of interest to urban planning faculty, students, and elected officials looking to create better cities for the future.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 226 pages
Publication date: 24 March 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The 2016 election in Iowa City presented a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the planning faculty, as they had long hoped for one of their own to become the mayor. In his new book, former Iowa City Mayor and Professor Emeritus James A. Throgmorton delves into the roles and experiences of democratically elected city council members and mayors in the United States. Through a series of "practice stories," Throgmorton shares his insights as a retired planning professor at the University of Iowa, highlighting his experiences as a council member from 2012 to 2019 and as mayor from 2016 to 2019.

The book proposes a practical and action-oriented theory on how city futures are shaped, emphasizing the crucial role of storytelling in the co-crafting process. It demonstrates that skillful use of ethically sound persuasive storytelling, particularly by mayors, can enhance our collective capacity to create better places. The book documents various efforts undertaken by Throgmorton and his team to address race-related inequities, increase the supply of affordable housing, adopt an ambitious climate action plan, improve relationships between city government and diverse marginalized communities, pursue more inclusive and sustainable land development codes/policies, and more.

This book will be of immense interest to urban planning faculty and students, as well as elected officials seeking to collaborate in the creation of future cities. Throgmorton's insights and experiences provide valuable guidance for those passionate about shaping the urban landscape and building more inclusive and sustainable communities.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367751043