Planning 101

We've titled this page “Planning 101″ since it will provide you with easy access to Planning Commissioners Journal articles on a number of the basic issues planning commissions from across the country face.

Scroll down this page to find articles that offer introductions to topics ranging from putting together the comprehensive plan, to housing, to downtown development — and much more.

Planning 101

Planning Commissioner Roles & Responsibilities

Just what does it mean to be a planning commissioner? And how can you be more effective in your job as a member of your town, city, or county planning board? That’s a questions we’ve covered extensively in the Planning Commissioners Journal.

Planning 101

Making Your Meetings Work

Where do you spend most of your time as a planning commissioner? At meetings or public hearings, of course. The Planning Commissioners Journal has published dozens of articles focusing on how meetings can be run more effectively, and planning board members can make more productive use of their meeting time.

Planning 101

Ethics & the Planning Commission

From conflicts of interest, to ex parte communications, to questions of bias or influence, planning commissioners periodically face ethical questions — some clear cut, others more complex.

Planning 101

Comprehensive Plans

Over the years, three talented contributors to the Planning Commissioners Journal have regularly focused on the importance of comprehensive plans, and how to most effectively prepare and implement them: Mike Chandler, Jim Segedy, and Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy. Also included are several other articles that offer additional perspectives on the comp planning process.

Planning 101

Zoning Essentials

The principal tool used in communities across the country to implement comprehensive plans is zoning. These articles from the Planning Commissioners Journal — starting with three short articles by planning historian Laurence Gerckens — provide a primer on the use of zoning, and some of the legal issues that can come up.

Planning 101

Creating “Livable” Communities

What’s a “livable” community? It surely includes places that offer a variety of both housing and job opportunities. But it also includes a range of things — from having recreational opportunities; to being walkable; to providing ways for neighbors to work together to address local concerns.

Planning 101

Transportation Planning Basics & New Ideas

Communities are better understanding the critical relationship between zoning, land use, and transportation planning. These articles provide an introduction to the transportation planning process, while also covering basic issues related to street and sidewalk design. Plus a look at new ideas and concepts in transportation planning.

Planning 101

Housing / Economic Development

Two important issues facing communities are how to provide a broad range of housing, and how best to promote economic development. But what are the best ways of doing this, and just how can planners and planning commissioners help out?

Planning 101

Is Your Commission Organized for Business?

This series of articles from the Planning Commissioners Journal looks at ways in which planning commissions can function more effectively as a group.

Planning 101

Strengthening our Downtowns

Many cities and towns are seeking to revitalize or create a hub for their community. These include not just our traditional downtowns and main streets, but also new suburban downtowns or town centers. We look at some of the planning-related issues facing downtown development.

Planning 101

Our Natural & Built Environment

Our community’s natural and built environment are essential components in planning for our future. These articles take a closer look at some of the planning-related challenges & opportunities that the environment that surrounds us presents.

Planning 101

Growth Management

In many communities, one of the key roles of the planning commission is to develop plans and strategies that address future growth — should it be directed to certain areas? how much growth should there be? who pays for infrastructure needed to support growth? These articles from the Planning Commissioners Journal look at different aspects of what is often called “growth management.”