A modern constitution for the International Society
of City and Regional Planners

The Constitution of the International Society of City and Regional Planners is a short document of three pages, creating an association of, by and for the world’s city and regional planning practitioners.

The old Constitution, adopted in 1975, served us well – as the Society grew from small beginnings in 1965 to an inclusive global network. Precisely because of this growth and expansion, we needed to update the fundamental document that defines us as an international association of planners.

At the World Planning Congress in Norway in October 2018, the members adopted a revised Constitution that ensures every member is equal, with equal rights to contribute to the Society’s programs, to elect its officers, and to participate in the activities and government of the Society.

          These are the main provisions of the Constitution.

  • The International Society of City and Regional Planners aims to be the international society for those professionally involved in city and regional planning; and to support at a global level the practice, teaching, promotion and improvement of city and regional planning, and housing.
  • The association has individual members and institutional members approved by the Board, which sets standards relating to professional qualifications for admission to membership. The Society is managed by a Board that includes the President, the Secretary General, the President Elect and at least eight other Board Members, all elected by the members at the Annual General Meeting.
  • The Executive Committee is a subcommittee of the Board consisting of the President, the Secretary General and three other Board Members, and is given the necessary powers by the Board for the day-to-day management of the Society.
  • The financial year of the Society is 1 July to 30 June. In the first half of each financial year the Board presents to the Annual General Meeting a financial report, a budget, and strategic and financial plans.
  • The major decisions of the Society – adopting the Constitution, regulations and policies; adopting the budget; setting directions; electing the President, Secretary General and Board Members – are made by the members in a General Meeting. All members can participate and vote, in person or online.

City and regional planners are encouraged to read the new Constitution here.

All city and regional planners – members and non-members – are encouraged to contact us and to find out more about our Society: just visit www.isocarp.org.