Planners were discussed in both cases in a negative light by acting ethically in decisions that are directly related to one of the most important aspects of American life: segregation. In both cases, although there were obvious limitations in how the planners acted, they were indeed at fault to varying degrees. Baltimore poses a very general problem that many planners face today when it comes to community participation, decision-making, and project quality. results of these meetings. Although planners could have gone further in understanding community identity and diversity, it often becomes more difficult for planners in their role to wear the sociologist hat and influence outcomes by educating the community. community. Understanding the roots of any community is very important in making decisions about its future development. Rather, how the planners acted here is a natural course of action that most planners follow today. Baum calls for planners to be ethical and uphold the common good agenda that is likely being ignored by property owners who participate for their own interests. He also says the problem arises when planners don't do more to create a climate for everyone to feel emotionally on the same page and feel more comfortable seeing not only their own interests but also those of others, thus allowing them to see the diversity of the world. community without feeling shame or depression. In my opinion, creating the environment Baum spoke of becomes more than a matter of ethics for planners. It is often very difficult to obtain community participation from diverse groups, for reasons as diverse as the communities themselves. Even in a hy...... middle of paper ......board. The dilemma the planners seemed to face here was working with the political system. Meeting minutes suggest planners didn't do enough to push for initial proposals that are more equitably distributed. It is also interesting to note the influence of the council members and their vested interests in the regions where they were represented. They are not considered professionals, but when it comes to ethical issues and working for the common good, no other organization has a direct interest in the common good of the community. When a political body itself makes decisions contrary to the planners' proposals, this becomes a bigger problem than ethics. But it should be noted that planners must make objective decisions taking into account all possible outcomes, in this case the effect on schools and education that they have failed..