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.
Making Meetings Work
Running productive, civil meetings can sometimes be a challenge — but it's essential if the planning commission is going to be effective. These articles and postings focus on meeting management and how to deal with contentious public hearings.
Continue to older articles & posts — or return to newer ones — where you see the green buttons at the bottom of the page.
Minor Irritants Can Become Major Problems
Columnist Elaine Cogan on what to do to prevent minor irritants from becoming major problems.
Dealing With an Angry Public
A frequently faced, but seldom discussed, subject is how to deal with angry citizens at public meetings. Community relations consultant (the late) Debra Stein suggests ways of keeping cool when things get hot. With responses and ideas from our online reviewers.
Meeting Formats Should Follow Their Functions
A poorly thought out and sloppily executed agenda can hinder the smooth operating of your meeting. Tips on how to better organize your agendas.
Procedural Due Process in Practice
No person shall be deprived of property “without due process of law.” A primer on what this Constitutional requirement means for the process planning commissions and zoning boards need to follow in handling land use permit applications.
What’s Your PMQ (Public Meeting Quotient)?
Elaine Cogan offers some guidelines for designing and carrying out effective public meetings.
Planning Commissioners Roundtable Discussion
PCJ Editor Wayne Senville holds a roundtable discussion with six planning commissioners from across the country.
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.
Ask Questions Well and You May Even Receive Worthwhile Answers
If you know how to ask questions well, you might even receive worthwhile answers!
Legal Issues Facing Planning Commissions & Zoning Boards
Ways in which planning boards can improve their dealings with attorneys.
The Commission Will Come to Order
David Allor examines the purpose of rules of procedure, reviewing the importance of fair and coherent rules. Included after the article is Allor’s annotated model outline of motions for planning commissions and zoning boards (adapted from Robert’s Rules).
When Information Is In Question
Greg Dale on what to do when you don’t believe what you’re hearing?
There’s Help for Dysfunctional Meetings
Elaine Cogan offers “first aid” for meetings that don’t seem to work.
