Listen!
A short primer on the skill of active listening.
Being Effective
Not surprisingly, many of our articles and postings have focused on how planning commissioners can be more effective.
Continue to older articles & posts — or return to newer ones — where you see the green buttons at the bottom of the page.
A Nose for NIMBYs
With NIMBYs legitimate concerns are often mixed with irrational fears. Planner (and planning commissioner) Christine Robbins offers some insights into how to deal with NIMBY situations.
Linking Elected Officials with Planning
Why it’s important for planning commissions and governing bodies to work cooperatively. With some suggestions for ways of strengthening this relationship.
Think Like a Reporter
Newspaper reporter and planning commissioner David Essex explains why it’s important to know what’s news and what isn’t when dealing with the press.
Is it Glitz? Is it Real?
Why it’s important for planning commissioners to look behind the pretty pictures, and beyond the enticing words, of polished presentations.
What Counts Most as a Planning Commissioner?
PCJ columnist Elaine Cogan takes a look at three valuable traits of an effective planning commissioner: patience, persistence, and passion.
Reviewing the Literature
Are you being swamped with too much information? Long-time planner Perry Norton reflects on these questions.
How Can We Harness Our Passion for Planning?
Ways in which you can tap the passion and enthusiasm of your constituents for the planning process.
Planning Commissioner Perspectives
Planning commissioners from Virginia, Pennsylvania, Utah, and New York offer their perspectives on what makes for an effective planning board, and on the role of the chairperson.
New Ways to Reach New (and Old) Audiences
A quick look at ways in which planning boards can obtain public feedback besides through a formal public hearing process
Independent and Informed
PCJ columnist Greg Dale explains why it’s critical that planning commissioners be independent and informed when reviewing development applications.
When Is Enough Enough?
How long have you served as a planning commissioner? How long should you serve? Elaine Cogan asks whether you know when enough is enough.
Homogeneous Commissions in Heterogeneous Communities
In increasingly diverse communities, it is essential that all planning board members reach out beyond their ordinary circles of relationships. Elaine Cogan discusses several ways in which commissioners can do this.
