PUBLICATIONS
In addition to his work as a practitioner, Philip Walker’s nationally recognized expertise in downtown revitalization, economic development and historic preservation is furthered through his publications.
This book, published in 2017, is a compilation of several papers on various aspects of economic development for small communities. Phil Walker authored one of the chapters on downtown planning.
It can purchased online, or by contacting:
McFarland
Box 611 • Jefferson NC 28640
Ph. (336) 246-4460
info@mcfarlandpub.com
This book is quoted in the latest edition of Randall Arendt’s classic “Rural by Design,” and is among the APA’s 39 recommended “Best in Class” books for collegiate planning curriculum. It is required reading for several collegiate planning courses, including those at the University of Massachusetts & Arizona State University.
It can purchased online, or by contacting:
Taylor & Francis Group
70 Blanchard Road, Suite 402
Burlington, MA 01803
In 1996, Phil Walker co-authored a book on the planning implications of casino gambling for historic communities. “Gambling, Economic Development & Historic Preservation” was jointly published by the APA and the National Trust for Historic Preservation.
It can purchased online, or by contacting:
APA Planners Book Service
122 S. Michigan Avenue, Suite 1600
Chicago, IL 60603
Ph. (312) 786-6344
BookService@planning.org
Articles
The following articles by Phil Walker have appeared in professional magazines:
“A Celebrated Main Street is Reimagined and Reinvigorated”
PLANNING, American Planning Association • Spring 2025
A Mobile, Alabama, plan offers lessons for fostering growth in downtown areas that once served as the economic, social, and cultural hubs for African American communities. Eric Finley, a Mobile native with deep family roots, loves his community and he tells anyone who will listen. In fact, as tour director of the Dora Franklin Finley African-American Heritage Trail (Dora is Eric’s late cousin), that is his job. He proudly tells visitors that the first Mardi Gras ever held in today’s U.S. occurred in Mobile in 1703, 15 years before New Orleans was even founded…
“Almost Lost”
PLANNING, American Planning Association • Fall 2021
From land to language, a planning effort on Hilton Head Island seeks to preserve the vanishing culture and history of its native Gullah Geechee residents–and build a better future. Hilton Head Island is most known for its thriving tourism, beach resorts, golf courses, and gated communities. However, as Gullah resident David White said at one of the numerous public engagement activities, “The history of Hilton Head did not start with a nine-hole golf course.”
“A New Direction for Natchez”
PLANNING, American Planning Association • December 2018
A struggling Southern city with a racially divided past takes a big step to create prosperity for all. On May 22, 2018, something extraordinary occurred in Natchez, Mississippi. After decades without an update to the downtown master plan, city leaders approved a brand-new one. It was the first plan in the city’s 300 year history that vigorously engaged the public, particularly the city’s African-American population community members, who account for 60 percent of the population of 15,000.
“Historic Battlefields: Open Space Worth Fighting For”
PLANNING, American Planning Association • April 2014
When it comes to this type of preservation, there’s no time to waste. Beginning when the first Europeans arrived during the 1500s and ending with the Indian wars of the late 1800s, this nation purposely and inadvertently created thousands of battlefields, and every state has them. Most are unprotected and inaccessible to the general public, but communities across the country are now learning that these untapped resources can provide tremendous benefits, including open space, environmental sustainability, heritage tourism, and economic development.
“Yoking Form-Based Codes and Historic Districts:
How To Get The Best Combination”
PLANNING, American Planning Association • March 2014
The Historic Beaufort Foundation was alarmed. Facing the impending adoption of a citywide form-based code, the foundation hired a consultant to help avoid the potential negative consequences to the community’s historic districts. That was 2011. Now, three years later, it appears there will be a happy ending…
“Beauty Isn’t Everything In Your Downtown Plan”
THE COMMISSIONER, American Planning Association • Spring 2010
Each year dozens of communities across the country embark on plans aimed at revitalizing their struggling downtowns. Civic leaders recognize the importance of their downtowns economically, socially, and culturally, as well as the less tangible roles downtowns play, such as defining the community’s image and level of civic pride. Creating a downtown plan means an investment of time, money, and effort. Despite this serious resource commitment, many downtown plans fail to achieve their ultimate goal of revitalization. What causes this unfortunate yet common scenario?
“Top 10 Myths of Downtown Planning”
PLANNING, American Planning Association • June 2009
The true essence of every downtown plan is a collection of ideas. The misinformed notions listed here are among those frequently voiced by citizens, sometimes voiced by elected officials, and occasionally by professional planners and downtown “experts” who should know better. Many have some element of truth, but none is entirely accurate.
“TWC was incredibly professional and easy to work with, making the whole process smooth from start to finish. Their guidance was spot-on and really helped us move forward with confidence. The work they delivered was top-notch – detailed, thoughtful, and super well done.”
“TWC put together a great team that was able to comprehensively achieve the project goals on time and within budget. The recommendations presented in the final report were practical and creative. The level of detail for this report was perfect.”
“From all accounts, The Walker Collaborative knows what it’s doing when the aim is downtown revitalization… What we like most about this process is the strong desire this organization has to get public input…
The Walker Collaborative seemed to truly care about getting local buy-in.”
“This draft is one of the most thorough and comprehensive planning documents I have ever read. Being used to NPS planning documents that are largely boiler plate and fluff and short on substance that serve little purpose than checking a box for park managers, I am truly impressed by your work.”
“Downtown Planning for Smaller and Midsize Communities is excellent for anyone working in revitalization. The book covers all of the aspects that help create a healthy downtown and a successful revitalization strategy. It’s the big picture of what makes a downtown function and the importance of having a plan. It reminded me what initially interested me about the field.”
“The Walker Collaborative did a tremendous job of helping to forge the initial vision for our heritage area. The economic study prepared by Phil Walker and persuasively presented by him in five communities throughout the region was instrumental in confirming the potential of our proposed heritage area and solidifying widespread political and public support.”
“I enjoyed your session. Your presentation was streamlined so it was easy to follow and grasp concepts,
entertaining with your natural injection of humor, and you had excellent presence.
You really connected with your audience.”
“I received lots of feedback from participants that your presentation was well presented, informative, and professional. It left everyone with confidence in the project and proposed changes.”
“TWC was extremely knowledgeable and competent in the subject matter. They provided a level of expertise that brought our antiquated Design Standards in line with modern and easy to read standards. TWC was very organized, and we are very satisfied with the overall end product.”
“Working with TWC on the Washington Drive District Plan was enjoyable and rewarding. Phil’s team was very qualified and easy to work with. The high-quality renderings made the plan catch people’s attention. The vision and strategies detailed in the written text inspired those who will implement it. Phil is very attentive, quick to respond, always willing to listen, and incorporate your ideas.”
