Don’t Take It Personally
PCJ columnist Ric Stephens offers four rules to help ensure all citizens receive a fair and impartial hearing from the planning commission.
Ric Stephens
Ric Stephens is Principal of the Oregon-based Stephens Planning & Design, where he focuses on a range of community planning issues. He is also currently Chair of the Beaverton, Oregon, Planning Commission.
Between 1990 and 2005, while working as a planner in California, Stephens also served as an adjunct professor in the Urban and Regional Planning Department at California State Polytechnic University in Pomona.
Stephens prepared a series of columns on a wide range of subjects for the Planning Commissioners Journal from 2007 to 2011.
Most Recent Articles
Civic Responsibility
Should we focus more on responsible citizenry and less on complex codes? Some thoughts from PCJ columnist Ric Stephens.
Where’s Art in Planning?
It’s rare that art is considered relevant — and that’s unfortunate says PCJ columnist Ric Stephens.
The Nine Circles of Planning Commission Hell
Planning commission hearings can sometimes bear an uncomfortable resemblance to the descriptions in Dante’s epic poem. But there are ways to escape, explains PCJ columnist Ric Stephens.
Different Perspectives
Do you ever try to assess how you and your fellow planning board members look through the eyes of those attending your meetings? Getting feedback can yield valuable insights, and lead to changes in how your commission conducts its business.
Ten Things to Avoid
Planning consultant (and commissioner) Ric Stephens on ten practices and behaviors for planning commissioners to steer clear of.
Planning Commission Physics
Does the “physics” of your planning commission reflect a mechanical or a systems model? How understanding of these models can help shape decision-making.
The Importance of Cookies
Don’t lose sight of the little things that make life enjoyable in our community.
What It Means When We Say…
What we say, what we mean, and what they hear at commission meetings don’t always correspond.
Late Nights with the Commission
Why the length and pace of planning board hearings can affect the quality of public participation and decision-making.
Why are You a Planning Commissioner?
Planner (and planning commissioner) Ric Stephens reflects on what motivates people to serve on planning boards.
