Lewis D. Hopkins

Lew Hopkins investigates how plans are made and used, how these processes could be improved, and how computing tools can enhance these processes. Lew taught planning theory and planning workshops.

Lew is currently developing tools for Information Systems of Plans (ISoP), which are web-based systems to access the intents and actions in networks of plans of different scopes from different agencies, created at different times. The goal is to operate effectively in a world of many actors who are making plans frequently for different jurisdictions and constituencies, rather than focus on getting one plan made and agreed on. Development of ISoPs relies on observation of plan making and plan using practices, rapid prototyping of components of planning support systems, and using ISoPs in real settings.

His book, Urban Development: The Logic of Making Plans, (also available in traditional and simplified Chinese, translated by Shih-Kung Lai) discusses how plans work, under what circumstances plans are useful, how the effectiveness of plans can be evaluated, and what the scope of plans should be. In another book, Engaging the Future: Forecasts, Scenarios, Plans, and Projects, coedited with Marisa A. Zapata, ideas about using scenarios and plans are put to work in a wide range of contexts.

Lew received the 2007 ACSP Distinguished Educator Award. He was editor (with Gill-Chin Lim) of the Journal of Planning Education and Research 1987-1991, head of the department of Urban and Regional Planning from 1984 to 1997, and chair of the Planning Accreditation Board 1997-2001. In 1997 and 2008 he was a Fulbright scholar in Nepal. He currently serves on the Urbana Planning Commission.