In this assignment, you will complete a PESTEL analysis on an issue in urban planning that is of interest to you. It would be helpful to focus on an issue in your local town/nearest large city (+50,000 population). This will be especially helpful in future assignments where you will have the option to follow through on this same issue.
Step 1: Review the sample PESTEL Download sample PESTELprovided and access the library's Business Writing page to learn about PESTEL analyses for guidance.
Step 2: Choose an issue from the list below. If you choose an issue outside of this list, be sure to get it approved by your instructor first.
- Urban blight.
- Gentrification.
- Homelessness.
- Crime.
- Affordable housing.
- Immigration.
- Poverty.
- Natural calamity (risk mitigation).
Step 3: Research your topic. You will need to be able to fill in details about your issue in all 6 categories of a PESTEL Analysis (Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Environmental, and Legal).
- Note:
- You must use at least 3 credible resources (in addition to your textbook).
- You must cite all resources used.
Step 4: For each element of the PESTEL you should provide:
- A summary (about one paragraph) that evaluates the element in relation to the scenario you chose. The guiding questions at the end of these instructions should guide you in your summary.
- One relevant example from your research that illustrates each element of the PESTEL.
Step 5: Submit your assignment in Canvas.
PESTEL Analysis
- Political: What political issues are associated with this problem? What government policy or policies impact the problem? Provide at least one relevant example.
- Economic: What economic factors (interest rates, employment, foreign exchange, unemployment, etc.) play a role in the problem? Provide at least one relevant example.
- Social: What emerging trends or demographic changes (population growth, age distribution, etc.) affect the problem? Are these local or global trends? Provide at least one relevant example.
- Technological: What technological innovation, development, and/or disruption plays a role in the problem? Provide at least one relevant example.
- Environmental: How does the surrounding environment and ecological impact influence the problem? Provide at least one relevant example.
- Legal: What legal issues affect the problem? Provide at least one relevant example.
The specific course learning outcome associated with this assignment is:
- Evaluate the various fields within planning, such as housing, community development, transportation, environmental planning, urban sprawl, and growth management
EXAMPLE:
Issue: Hispanic Communities & the Underreporting of Crime
Political:
The crisis at the southern border has caused cities across the nation to face an increase in Hispanic immigrants moving to their cities, a cause of concern to police departments as immigrants can be more vulnerable to crime and are typically less likely to report a crime. The language barrier and lack of understanding of the legal system are large contributors to the challenges that police departments face when policing Hispanic communities.
Economic:
As the recent economic downturn has plagued the economy, local government officials have had to restructure their budgets as the migrant communities move throughout the states, law enforcement agencies are challenged with the underreporting of crimes due to fear of deportation, language barrier, police corruption in their home countries, and lack of resources and knowledge of the criminal justice system.
Social:
Social factors impact communities and crime, Hispanics are the largest racial/ethnic minority group in the United States. In the 2020 Census, the City of Tampa saw a 23 percent increase in the Hispanic population, bringing the total Hispanic population to almost 30 percent – a trend seen in most major cities.
Technological:
With the advent of the new age in technology, companies have completely integrated themselves with all the recent changes that have taken place. Underreporting of crimes has significant ramifications on the structure of a police department and how personnel are deployed. Crime statistics guide police executives in determining the number of officers allocated to a certain area, funding, training and equipment, and other resources needed to address crime trends.
Legal:
Prepare a policy that directs Community Outreach Programs to the Hispanic community and clearly outlines the role of the Hispanic Liaison. Being the Hispanic Liaison should not be a secondary role or assignment and will be most efficient if issues in the community can be brought directly to the executive staff.
Environmental:
Establishing trust with the Hispanic community is of the utmost importance to reduce factors that contribute to the underreporting of crimes. Law enforcement agencies need to establish a robust community outreach program with at least one officer serving as a liaison for Hispanics to the police department. Through the outreach program, the Hispanic Liaison can host community meetings and provide education on police policies and procedures. Having a dedicated Spanish-speaking officer readily available to assist with issues affecting the Hispanic community will help bridge the gap.
