Work

Planner-level variation in sustainability regulation: agency in statutory planning practice

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: This study examines planner-level variation in sustainability-related plan regulations and relates this variation to planners’ self-assessments. The study combines quantitative regulation analysis and survey-based self-assessments with qualitative responses, linking local detailed plan regulations to planners. The analysis identifies variation within shared institutional conditions and compares observed regulatory profiles with planners’ assigned importance, self-assessed knowledge, and reported opportunity to influence plan content. Observed regulatory frequency aligned more closely with self-assessed knowledge and reported opportunity than with assigned importance. The findings show how planner-linked variation in legally binding planning outputs, interpreted alongside self-assessments, provides one empirical basis for examining situated professional agency.

Source: Urban Research & Practice

DOI: 10.1080/17535069.2026.2713585

Author: Mari Jaakonaho

Institution: Tampere University

Language: English

Topic: Local Governance and Planning

Subfield: Geography, Planning and Development

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Sustainable cities and communities

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Tekniikan Edistämissäätiö