Ethics Challenge at Oak Park Commons

The code guiding ethical behavior by professional planners begins: “People who participate in the planning process shall continuously pursue and faithfully serve the public interest.” What does that mean for planners who represent various types of employers or clients, and who are dealing with complex issues that must balance differing public interests?

This interactive session, designed by Karen Walz for the APA Texas conference in Allen in 2024, was a role-play exercise about a proposed rezoning for a new development project. Designed to give everyone an opportunity to explore these ethical questions, each participant was assigned one of eight different – and competing – roles. The 8-person groups attempted to reach consensus on a development proposal that raised issues of residential density, housing affordability, environmental protection and public safety, and adequate public facilities. A panel of three AICP Fellows provided insight into the way AICP ethical principles apply to the challenges faced by planners in a world with competing choices.