The Evolution of Planning in East St. Louis

This article analyzes the evolution of East St. Louis, Illinois, in light of identifiable phases of urban planning in the United States. East St. Louis provides a useful context to trace the history of planning because it is a city that has been mired in the very social, economic, and environmental problems that compel new planning approaches. At the same time, the inability to resolve the city's problems reveals the limitations and ultimate inadequacy of any singular approach. The article tracks the evolution of the city, the catalysts for planning activities, different approaches used, and results of these efforts. It notes that each new approach rejects the previous approach in light of its failure to solve what might be entrenched, complex problems faced by the city. The conclusion calls to question this dismissal of past approaches.