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….
Search Results for by Ric Stephens
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….
Where’s Art in Planning?
It’s rare that art is considered relevant — and that’s unfortunate says PCJ columnist Ric Stephens….
Civic Responsibility
Should we focus more on responsible citizenry and less on complex codes? Some thoughts from PCJ columnist Ric Stephens….
Late Nights with the Commission
…waiting to speak, they must come back another time only to possibly wait again? End of excerpt … article continues with some suggestions from Ric Stephens on dealing with the problem of overly long meetings….
Ten Things to Avoid
Planning consultant (and commissioner) Ric Stephens on ten practices and behaviors for planning commissioners to steer clear of….
Why are You a Planning Commissioner?
Planner (and planning commissioner) Ric Stephens reflects on what motivates people to serve on planning boards….
The Importance of Cookies
Read an excerpt from this article below. You can download the full article by using the link at the end of the excerpt. There are four enduring philosophical questions: 1. Where did we come from?…
What It Means When We Say…
Read an excerpt from this article below. You can download the full article by using the link at the end of the excerpt. Better communication will occur if we can also more accurately say what…
Planning Commission Physics
Read an excerpt from this article below. You can download the full article by using the link at the end of the excerpt. We create models of the world to understand how things work and…
Different Perspectives
Read an excerpt from this article below. You can download the full article by using the link at the end of the excerpt. If your community makes audio and/or video recordings, it is vital that…
Our Contributing Writers
…Dale — Laurence Gerckens Beth Humstone — Ed McMahon — Della Rucker — The Segedys — Kennedy Smith — Ric Stephens — Hannah Twaddell Voices from Planning Commissioners Over the years, many other individuals have…
Frequency & Duration of Planning Commission Meetings
…development standards.” “Planning a bay front corridor that runs through multiple township jurisdictions.” Editor’s Note: For some reflections on meeting length, see Ric Stephens’ “Late Nights With the Commission.” Our Next Post: Planning Commission Dynamics…
