The fuItLu-e is a long-recognized focus of thie uirban planning profession, but it has been nieglected of late particuLlarly in the academiiic COmmLullity. This article reviews concepts, theories, and tools useful for strengthening a ftttLire focus in planning. Core analytical coIncepts InCItide distinctions among projections forecasts and plans, and continiuities of past, present, anid future. Ethical issues center oni the tension betweeni an activist shaping of the future and the maniptLilation of forecasts to support desired plans. Emphasizing representation of the future as an essential means for gaining agreement, the article surveys the practices of visioning, scenario-building, and persuasive storytelling. The conclusion outlines .r reinvigorated appi-oach to plaiinrng the futtire that draws tLipon theories presented.

Following reforms to the city charter in 1999, the City of Los Angeles is currently implementing a city-wide system of neighbourhood councils that is intended to increase citizen participation in local governance and make city agencies more responsive to local needs. As neighbourhood council formation has gotten underway, faith organizations (FOs) have been identified as a promising resource for mobilizing involvement among groups that are traditionally underrepresented in the governance process. This article discusses the potential value of FOs' involvement in neighbourhood councils, as well as the likely obstacles to their participation, and reports preliminary findings from ongoing field research on neighbourhood council formation in Los Angeles. Given the diversity of religious missions and attitudes toward political involvement among American faith institutions we find it difficult to generalize about the likely role of the faith community in neighbourhood councils. However, the historical focus of Christian churches on issues of social justice as opposed to local community action, as well as the relative lack of participation by FOs in neighbourhood council formation to date, suggests that widespread involvement of FOs in the neighbourhood council process may be difficult to achieve. A targeted strategy of outreach and organizing directed toward those FOs most likely to participate seems required.

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