This course provides intensive instruction in methods for predicting, evaluating, and mitigating potential adverse impacts of land development projects, particularly as they affect urban infrastructure. Our purpose is to promote basic skills in using impact assessment techniques, foster the ability to apply those techniques to the assessment of impacts from actual development projects, and develop skills in reporting impact assessment analyses, findings, and recommendations in a competent, professional manner.
Development impact assessment methods are used in a variety of ways in public and private planning, including evaluation of land use planning alternatives, assessment of private and public development proposals, and marketing of development proposals. By analyzing and discussing various examples of those applications, the course will help develop an appreciation of the strengths and limitations of various impact assessment approaches in specific applications.