World Town Planning Day

World Town Planning Day is observed annually on November 8. This global observance highlights the vital role of urban and regional planning in shaping sustainable, healthy, and equitable communities.

History of World Town Planning Day

The day was initiated in 1949 by Carlos María della Paolera, an Argentinian professor at the University of Buenos Aires. He envisioned a day that would raise awareness about the importance of thoughtful urban planning and its role in society.
Since then, World Town Planning Day has grown into an international event, recognized by more than 30 countries across four continents. It serves as a platform for dialogue, education, and reflection on how our environments are designed and built.

Why is World Town Planning Day important?

On this day I like to pause and reflect on how the shape of our cities and towns—streets, parks, housing, transport—directly affects our daily lives: how easily we move, how connected we feel, how much access we have to nature and community. Celebrating this day is recognizing that planning isn’t a background activity—it’s a force for inclusion, sustainability and quality of life.
It also serves as a reminder that urban planning is more than design—it’s about people. The decisions made today in how we zone land, build infrastructure or preserve green space will determine how future generations live, commute, breathe and belong.

• It honours the professionals and citizens who work to make cities livable, safe and well-designed
• It invites us to consider how planning affects social equity, environment and economic opportunity
• It highlights that good planning isn’t accidental—it requires vision, cooperation and foresight
• It encourages communities to speak up about how their places are shaped and to engage in planning processes
• It places focus on future-proofing our towns for climate, growth, transport and wellbeing

How to Celebrate World Town Planning Day

You don’t need to be a city planner to join in. This day can be celebrated through simple, meaningful actions—go for a walk and observe your local neighbourhood (what works, what could improve), talk to your local council about planning in your area, or share an urban story.
You could visit a planning exhibition, attend a webinar, or engage in a local initiative about public space, housing or transport. Bring friends or family. The point is to raise awareness and foster good planning from the bottom up.

• Take a tour around your city or town and note one place you appreciate and one place you think could be better planned
• Engage with your local planning authority or community group: ask about upcoming plans or contribute your view
• Share a photo or story of urban design you admire (or think needs change) on social media with #WorldTownPlanningDay
• Participate in or organise a local event (walk, talk, workshop) about planning, housing, transport or green spaces
• Spend 30 minutes reading or watching something about urban planning, then share a takeaway with someone else

World Town Planning Day Dates Table