What Counts Most as a Planning Commissioner?
PCJ columnist Elaine Cogan takes a look at three valuable traits of an effective planning commissioner: patience, persistence, and passion.
Getting Started as a Commissioner
It can be challenge to be a new planning board member — with the need to learn about basic planning tools, your board's responsibilities, and how you can contribute most effectively. These articles can help you gain your bearings. But they also have useful tips for even more experienced planning board member.
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Planning Commissioner Perspectives
Planning commissioners from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Utah, and New York offer their perspectives on what makes for an effective planning board, and on the role of the chairperson.
Welcome to the Commission
Advice from six planning commissioners from across the country especially aimed at new planning commissioners. Plus a roundtable discussion moderated by Planning Commissioners Journal editor Wayne Senville.
Teaching “New Dogs” New Tricks
How to deal with newcomers to your board who either hold up meetings with question after question or are too nervous to jump into the discussion.
The New Commissioner: Dazed & Confused
Sharon Hightower, a California planning consultant and planning commissioner, offers some “orientation” advice for new planning commissioners.
Getting the Job Done
Strategies planning boards can use to help commissioners better prepare for meetings, participate more effectively during meetings, and follow-up on items after meetings.
Planning Commissioners Roundtable Discussion
Discussion focuses on the role of the planning commission on growth and development issues; new commissioner orientation; and communications with the public.
The “Riggins Rules”
Suggested do’s and don’ts for the conduct of public hearings, and the deportment of members of boards, commissions, and other bodies — reprinted as written by the late Fred Riggins.
The Words Sounded Familiar
Michael Chandler’s introductory column for the PCJ recounts his experience on first becoming a planning commissioner.
