FAILURE OF PLANNING

The book examines the challenges faced by San Diego County suburbs in the wake of rapid growth since 1945, highlighting Mayor Pete Wilson's efforts to implement progressive planning through "smart growth." Despite initial successes and ongoing multimillion-dollar planning initiatives, issues like suburban sprawl, freeway congestion, and rising housing costs persist. It analyzes the shortcomings of progressive planning in San Diego and beyond, exploring various political perspectives—conservative, liberal, and radical—to propose more effective solutions for the future.