Political division and polarization

The COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, social inclusion, and other important topics have increased political polarization in the U.S. and globally. Political parties are seeing their members movemore toward the extremes, further from any middle ground that was once held. Planners will have to adjust and learn how to navigate this fragmented environment when engaging community members in planning processes. For general information on community engagement and public participation, see PAS Report 593,Planning With Diverse Communities, and PAS Report 595,A Planner's Guide to Meeting Facilitation. Or watch APA's recent webinar,Mastering Conflict for Effective Planning: Navigation and Resolution.