Planner and Commissioner — Advice for Planning Commissioners
Our series continues, as we ask our seven planners what advice they’d give to planning commissioners — based on their experience as staff planners.
Being a Planning Commissioner
Planner and Commissioner — Surprises
Today, our seven planners tell us what most surprised them when they started serving on their planning commission.
Planner and Commissioner — Why Serve on a Planning Commission?
We asked seven individuals who have served both as professional and citizen planners to reply to a series of short questions. Today, they explain what got them interested in serving on their community’s planning commission.
Top 10 Ways to Make Your Planning Commission More Relevant in Your Community
To avoid being seen as “just part of the system,” here are 10 ways to solidify your planning commission’s relevance.
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid When Holding Public Hearings or Meetings
To help you avoid the holes in the rocky road of being a planning commissioner, we present the Top Ten Mistakes to Avoid When Holding Public Hearings or Meetings.
On Commitment
How do we motivate commissioners to realize being on the planning commission requires a “commitment”? The more I thought about it, the more complex the answer seems to be.
Dealing with Commissioners Who Have Too Much to Say
Last month, we discussed how to handle planning commissioners who have little to say. This time, we are writing about the reverse … those who are often loud, obstreperous, interruptive, sometimes rude, boisterous — or simply garrulous.
Dealing with Commissioners Who Have Too Little to Say
How can a commission chair encourage shy members to speak up? They may be newcomers to the board reluctant to express an opinion; genuinely deep thinkers who need to know all the facts before saying anything; or disinterested or bored individuals.
What Does a Discussion Look Like?
Our national public discourse hasn’t been very good at real discussion lately. Even on TV news shows that claim to be “discussing” issues, what you too often hear is people talking over and shouting past each other. But planning commissions can set a positive example in public hearings and meetings.
New to a Planning Commission?
As you begin to attend meetings, you will find that although many parts of the agenda are routine, there soon is likely to be a controversial or contentious matter. You may be uneasy having to discuss your points of view. But you want to be effective. What should you consider?
Our Public Hearings Resource Guide
Take a look at the latest addition to the PlannersWeb. Our 12-part Resource Guide will provide you tips and ideas on how to better manage public hearings. The Resource Guide also points you to other relevant online information and documents.
Talking Behind the Public’s Back – The Ex-Parte Problem
Ted Shekell discusses ex-parte communications — and poses a brief hypothetical situation for your consideration.
A Walkabout Approach to Public Meetings
Does your planning commission take a “walkabout approach” to public meetings. PlannersWeb contributing writers Jim Segedy & Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy explain why it can be very helpful to put on your walking shoes and go out for a group walk.
