Community Planning in Pullman, Illinois, has seen remarkable changes in the past century. Originally a company town developed by a benevolent industrial dictator in an era when government took little responsibility for its citizens, the community was allowed to decay during the growth of democratic politics, but may yet be reprieved in a period which recognises the importance of local involvement in the decision making process.

Today this means reconciling the needs and expectations of local residents, business people, and tourists, without compromising the architectural, historical, economic, and social values. The community planning process undertaken in the historic town of Pullman is an interesting model which attempts to accommodate the needs of all groups by recognising the value of their different interests.

The paper includes an introduction to Pullman's built environment and its historical context, followed by a description of the community's fluctuating fortunes in the face of changing economic and social conditions, and the recognition of the town's heritage status. Special attention is given to the community planning process and the principal players who will determine the town's future.