Pro-Forma 101: Part 3 – How Much Money Will the Project Make for the Developer?
Pro-Forma 101 continues with an examination of the impact on development of financing interest, and a look at how developers calculate a project’s anticipated profit.
Planning Universe
Welcome to the Planning Universe! Use the drop down menu above to find articles and postings about who’s who in the Planning Universe:
— Citizens
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Pro-Forma 101: Part 2 – What Will It Cost to Build the Project?
A look at how a pro-forma factors in the various aspects of project development, including the costs of land acquisition, planning and design, amenities and off-site costs, and management and overhead.
Pro-Forma 101: Part 1 – Getting Familiar With a Basic Tool of Real Estate Analysis
To achieve a minimum level of “literacy” about the economics of development requires at least a navigational knowledge of the basic tool of real estate feasibility analysis — the pro-forma.
Well Rounded Membership First Step in Well Functioning Board
If your planning commission truly makes decisions that affect the well-being of the entire community, it makes sense that its membership reflects that community.
“Ma’am, We’re Here for You.”
Just who does the planning commission serve? — Applicants? Citizens opposing a project? The “public”? We resume our ethics & the planning commission series with a look at this question.
Citizen Surveys: Part 1 – How Surveys Can Support Local Planning Efforts
A scientifically conducted survey of residents brings in the voice of the public to bear on planning issues like no forum, newspaper straw poll, or focused discussion.
Why Planners Should Care About Customer Service
Local governments that are not actively engaged in listening and adapting their services to meet the needs and expectations of their customers and citizens are setting themselves up for disappointment and failure.
Dealing With Negative Attitudes Towards Government
What can you, as a planner or planning commissioner, do about negative attitudes towards government? You can start by doing something as simple as examining the experience citizens have when they enter the planning department office.
Why Have Students Serve on Planning Boards?
Have you ever bemoaned the fact that high school students don’t know much about how local government works or the importance of planning for the community’s future? Consider adding a high school student to your planning commission. Lessons from three communities.
Crossing Cultural & Language Divides
Citizen participation is enough of a challenge in any city — but how do you deal with engaging citizens when 42% of your population is foreign-born, with people speaking many different languages?
Open Meeting Laws – Part 2: Avoiding Open Meeting Law Violations
Attorney Alan C. Weinstein provides an overview of how to avoid violating Open Meetings laws — including situations that are particularly troublesome: meetings in executive session, site-visits, “informal” meetings with staff, and electronic communications.
Open Meeting Laws – Part 1: An Overview
An introduction to the goals and structure of open meeting laws — including a look at the key question: what constitutes a “meeting”?
Reflections on Portland: Food Cartology & Power (Belongs) to the People
In Portland, food carts have really sizzled. Head downtown and you’ll find an entire city block (home to a parking lot) completely lined by food carts. A look at “food cartology.” Also: the importance of public engagement in planning.
