The Planning Commission As Independent Advisor
Michael Chandler on why developing closer relationships with governing bodies is something planning commissions need to work on.
Michael Chandler
Michael Chandler is a planning consultant based in Richmond, Virginia. He is a former Professor and Community Planning Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia, and co-founder of the Virginia Institute for Planning Commissioners. Chandler has for many years conducted planning commissioner training programs across the country, and is a frequent speaker at planning workshops.
From 1992 to 2003 Chandler wrote “The Planning Commission at Work” column for the Planning Commissioners Journal, covering topics ranging from comp plan development to meeting management. All of his columns are listed below. Just click on a title to read extended excerpts from the article; PlannersWeb members can then also download the full article in pdf format as published in the PCJ.
Putting Vision in Our Plan
Michael Chandler discusses four steps involved in a community “visioning” process.
Making Change Happen
Michael Chandler explains why planning commissions should view change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
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.
Preparing An Implementable Comprehensive Plan
Ten questions your commission should ask itself when it’s time to prepare or revise the comprehensive plan.
Are You Organized For Business?
Mike Chandler provides a 20-question exercise that can help your commission see how well it’s organized for business.
Taking the Planning Commission’s Pulse
Michael Chandler offers an organizational “diagnostic” to help commissions clarify their role.
Making the Most of Your Meeting Time, Parts I & II
Mike Chandler offers two exercises that can help you make the most of your meeting time; plus a look at debriefing your planning commission meetings
Enhancing Your Commission’s Productivity
How you can improve your commission’s “productive capacity” through new member orientation, mission statements, and work programs.
A Primer on the Politics of Plan Implementation
Roundtable Discussion about issues related to the adoption and implementation of the comprehensive plan.
Developing the Comprehensive Plan
Michael Chandler on developing the comp plan: Part I: key considerations in putting together a comprehensive plan. Part II: citizen participation methods. Part III: strategies for getting the plan adopted and implemented.
The Words Sounded Familiar
Michael Chandler’s introductory column for the PCJ recounts his experience on first becoming a planning commissioner.
