Decision Making
Mike Chandler considers why decision making can be hard for planning commissioners, and explores the substance, form, and function of planning commission decision making.
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.
Do You Have the “Write” Stuff?
Columnist Elaine Cogan on the importance of clear written communications in public notices and postings.
What’s Your PMQ (Public Meeting Quotient)?
Elaine Cogan offers some guidelines for designing and carrying out effective public meetings.
Another Meeting?
What do you do when a member of your commission does not fully participate in meetings or commission business?
Making Planning Commissions More Effective
A checklist of ways of making your planning commission more effective.
Planning Commissioners Roundtable Discussion
PCJ Editor Wayne Senville holds a roundtable discussion with six planning commissioners from across the country.
Commissioners as Neighborhood Advocates
Planning commissioner William M. Harris offers his thoughts on the downside of commissioners acting as advocates for their own neighborhoods.
Controversial Issues Natural in Planning
As a planning commissioner, how do you deal with controversial projects? Some ideas on how to be more proactive, and less reactive.
You, Too, Can Speak So People Will Listen!
When you’re asked to speak to a community group, do you get a knot in your stomach? Elaine Cogan offers tips on how to make public speaking a less stressful, and more rewarding, experience.
Being a Planning Commissioner
Asking the right question; evaluating information presented; identifying interests; making no excuses. Lessons from nine years as a member of a local planning and zoning commission.
How to Recognize and Relieve Burnout
Elaine Cogan discusses ways of dealing with planning commissioner burnout.
Planning from Different Perspectives
How members of planning commissions and zoning boards can be most effective in dealing with applicants, members of the public, and staff.
Why Don’t Planning Commissioners Get the Respect They Deserve?
You have to give respect to get respect, says Elaine Cogan in her look at ways in which planning commissioners can gain respect from the public they serve.
