Planning, also called urban planning or city and regional planning, is the process of improving the welfare of people and their communities by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations.  Planning enables civic leaders, businesses, and citizens to play a meaningful role in creating communities that enrich people's lives.  Good planning helps create communities that offer better choices for where and how people live. Planning helps communities to envision their future, and helps them find the right balance of new development and essential services, environmental protection, and innovative change (American Planning Association web site).