The Era of Measuring Planning: Tracking Success From Vision to Verification

Planning2050 is a volunteer-led movement driven by planners, civic leaders, and institutions who believe that better planning starts with shared accountability. In a time when cities and regions face increasingly complex challenges—from housing affordability to climate resilience—the planning profession must evolve. This initiative is about raising the bar on what it means to plan effectively, inclusively, and transparently.

At the heart of this effort is a performance-based Dashboard Platform, launched in 2024, that empowers communities to track the success of their plans in real time. Nine leaders have already stepped forward as signatories, actively measuring and improving the outcomes of their planning work across a shared international framework focused on equity, resilience, prosperity, and well-being.

Current signatories include:

• City of Las Vegas

• Mid Ohio Regional Planning Commission

• Eastern New Mexico University

• RCE North Texas

• City of Upper Arlington, OH

• PlanRVA (Virginia)

• Jersey City, NJ

• Downtown Austin Alliance (Austin, TX)

• Downtown Midland, TX

Together, they represent a cross-section of urban, regional, and institutional leaders committed to accountability and collaborative learning. But the effort doesn’t stop with the public and academic sectors—planning firms and consultants are also vital to this mission. These professionals are often the bridge between communities and long-range vision. By bringing the conversation about measurable outcomes into their client work, consultants can become liaisons for lasting success. They are in a unique position to advocate for long-term tracking and support their clients in aligning with the Dashboard and its shared goals.

This is not a top-down mandate. It’s a grassroots, peer-led network inviting cities, planning organizations, community coalitions, and private-sector partners—across the U.S. and internationally—to join. A network that is redefining success in planning not just by intentions, but by outcomes.

We call on planners, civic leaders, and institutions around the world: Join this effort. Become a signatory. Leverage the Dashboard to bring clarity and credibility to your planning work. Share your innovations, and learn from others doing the same.

Together, we can reshape the future of the planning profession—through data, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to better outcomes for all.

Let’s build a future where planning is not only aspirational, but accountable. Join the movement.