March 4th, 2020 
An issue paper focusing on a contemporary public issue related to some aspect of the field
of community and regional planning (as described broadly in the textbook), is required. The
issue must be local (i.e., Lincoln or other locality in Nebraska or adjacent states), state (i.e.,
Nebraska or other adjacent states), or regional in scope. The issue should be one that
recently has been or is currently being discussed and debated. The issue paper shall have
the following components:
1. Title;
2. Introduction and issue delineation a clear statement of the issue needing to be
resolved;
3. Discussion of alternative approaches to studying or resolving the issue (including
approaches that may have already been tried or are under way);
4. Discussion of one or more aspects of ethical principles, civics, or stewardship that are
relevant to the issue; and
4. Your evaluative response to the issue and your recommendations (including rationale)
that address the issue.
The issue paper must include documented references to at least two reputable sources
(such as library sources or interviews with authoritative persons) other than the course
textbook. Graduate students should cite four or more sources. Use of ideas other than your
own may be utilized, but must be attributed to the sources, including correct forms of
citation.
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