Best Regional Politics Planning Books of 2026

The Great Displacement: Climate Change and the Next American Migration is a timely and thought-provoking book that sheds light on the untold story of climate migration in the United States. The author presents a human-centered narrative that tells the personal stories of those experiencing displacement and the implications for all of us as we confront a changing future. The book is a vivid tour of the new human geography just coming into view and highlights the largest migration in our country's history. The Great Displacement is a must-read for anyone interested in climate change and its impact on human lives.

Seeing like a State by James C. Scott is a thought-provoking analysis of the failures of top-down social planning. The book explores the disastrous consequences of well-intentioned schemes to improve the human condition, from collectivization in Russia to agricultural modernization in the Tropics. Scott argues that centrally managed social plans fail when they disregard the complexities of local knowledge and impose schematic visions that do violence to complex interdependencies. He identifies four conditions common to all planning disasters. This book is a magisterial critique of development theory and imperialistic state planning. Highly recommended for those interested in social planning and its pitfalls.

Peter Moskowitz's "How to Kill a City" is a compelling exploration of gentrification in American cities. With a focus on New Orleans, Detroit, San Francisco, and New York, Moskowitz exposes the systemic forces behind gentrification and the devastating impact it has on communities. He sheds light on the complex interplay between the forces we control and those that control us, making it clear that housing is at the heart of America's crises of race and inequality. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in urban planning and development.

The Works: Anatomy of a City is a fascinating exploration of the complex systems that keep modern cities running. Using New York City as a reference point, author Kate Ascher delves into the inner workings of urban infrastructure, from water and sewage systems to subways and electricity. The book is filled with intriguing facts and anecdotes, making it both a reference guide and a pleasure to read. The Works is a unique and informative book that offers readers a glimpse into the hidden world that lies beneath our feet.

In the Shadow of the Ivory Tower by Davarian L. Baldwin is a powerful critique of the parasitic relationship between universities and the cities they operate in. Baldwin argues that universities have become big businesses that gentrify neighborhoods, exacerbate housing inequality, and suppress wages. This book takes readers on a journey across America, from Hartford to Manhattan, revealing the impact of unchecked university power on vulnerable communities. Through eye-opening conversations with city leaders, low-wage workers, and local activists, Baldwin presents an alternative vision for urban life that requires a more equitable relationship between cities and universities. This is a necessary wake-up call that resonates with anyone concerned about the future of higher education and the role of universities in society.

Stop the Road is a gripping account of Baltimore's 40-year struggle against the construction of expressways. The book is an ode to the unsung heroes of the battle, neighborhood activists, preservationists, and environmentalists who saved Baltimore's historic waterfront communities of Federal Hill, Fell's Point, and Canton. The story is told in a personal, up-close manner that keeps the reader engaged. However, the book is not all sunshine and rainbows, as it also delves into the disastrous Highway to Nowhere. Stop the Road is a must-read for anyone interested in urban planning and development, and it is a testament to the power of community activism.

The Biography of Mike Pence is a short and captivating biography of one of the most compelling American political leaders of the 20th and 21st centuries. The book covers Pence's journey from being a successful lawyer to becoming Vice President of the United States and leading the highly-successful coronavirus task force. This biography is a must-read for those interested in understanding the intensely human story of a truly exceptional man who is changing the world in a way that no one else can. Overall, this book is a great addition to the US Presidents Books category, with its unique and insightful perspective on the life of Mike Pence.

Land Development is a comprehensive resource for anyone interested in residential land development. The 10th edition is packed with photos, illustrations, checklists, and practical guidance, providing extensive knowledge of the essential factors that contribute to a successful land development project. The book covers market analysis, financing strategies, site selection and analysis, environmental regulations, site engineering, and much more. The latest edition also includes eight pages of full-color photographs of the nation's leading developments. Overall, this classic text is a must-read for anyone in the land development industry, providing reliable information and a valuable edge in a competitive field.

Science Be Dammed is a riveting book that highlights the high stakes and perils of water management in the western United States. The authors, Eric Kuhn and John Fleck, delve into rarely reported early studies, showing that scientists warned as early as the 1920s that the Colorado River could not sustain the ambitious dreaming and planning by decision-makers throughout the twentieth century. The book offers crucial lessons in the age of climate change about the necessity of seeking out the best science to support the decisions we make. Highly recommended for anyone interested in environmental economics and water management.

American Government 3e is a comprehensive textbook designed to align with the topics and objectives of government courses. The book covers everything from the fundamental principles of institutional design to the political structures that constitute American government. The authors have taken a balanced approach, confronting negative elements of American government while demonstrating progress in overcoming them. The book also includes more examples and details regarding the lived experiences of diverse groups and communities within the United States. Overall, American Government 3e is a valuable resource for students, instructors, and engaged citizens seeking a deeper understanding of American government and politics.