I don't think anything could be more clear or irrefutable. I also don't think that there is any idea that is under greater pressure and attack, both aggressively and passively.
It is the responsibility of conscientious leaders (planners included) to determine ways in which appropriate family activities may be sponsored in an effort to foster stronger families.
Ultimately, the functions of a good city are all directed towards this end - the creation of roads serves to get goods and services in support of families, subdivision of land allows for jobs, homes, and recreational activities within the city, city and state protective services are formulated to protect families, and city laws and governments have as their highest and best consideration, "how will this action affect families within our city?"
The question is then well posed - what is a family. Traditionally, a family consisted of a mother and father, children, and occasionally extended family members. This continues to be the most common kind of family.
Recently, however, there has come a shift from traditional to non-traditional families. Single-mothers and fathers, widows and widowers, sibling groups, and same-gender households all have seen dramatic rises in number and prominence. And even within traditional families, specific needs change as the family changes - children at one age need some kinds of services, while others may not need those at all (day care needs change to recreation opportunities change to educational requirements ultimately lead to employment opportunities). Effective cities allow for housing, education, vocational/professional, and recreation opportunites without having to go too far to acquire them. As the population of the United States ages, there will be additional requirements for health services, elder care, and low-maintenance housing. As we look forward to the future, steps must be taken to preserve the lifestyles of all people, not just the rich and famous.
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