Washington, By and By

A new civic engagement graphic novel from the
American Planning Association Washington State Chapter

Washington, By and By, is an educational graphic novel about community planning illustrating how empowered teens can engage and shape the future of their state. The 48-page story follows the adventures of four diverse Washington teens as they grapple with the complex issues of development, equity, displacement, and preservation in their communities. The novel encourages readers to examine some critical questions about planning and growth management: How does planning happen? Why does it matter? And what is the role and responsibility of youth in shaping where they live – now and in the future?

The Youth in Planning Task Force commissioned Gabrielle Lyon, PHD, Devin Mawdsley, and Kayce Bayer for the project, the same team behind No Small Plans (planning.org/educators/nosmallplans) the planning graphic novel created by the Chicago Architecture Center. Washington, By and By was funded by the APA Washington Chapter and numerous Kickstarter backers.

“The planning profession suffers from a lack of professionals from diverse backgrounds, as well as a dearth of input from youth,” says Gabrielle Lyon, senior researcher at the Great Cities Institute. “Our team is thrilled to partner with the state of Washington Chapter to create a novel that allows young people to see themselves represented and make the profession more accessible and inviting.”

Washington, By and By is free to download. To further explore the themes addressed in the novel, check out our Reader’s Toolkit, and then introduce the novel to youth, teachers, librarians and other planners in your local community inviting them to engage youth in planning and shaping where they live – now and in the future.

Back to Youth in Planning Homepage

Download Washington, By and By (English)
Download for print (English)

 

Download Washington, By and By (Spanish)
Download for print (Spanish)

 

Download Washington, By and By (Chinese)
Download for print (Chinese)