“Ma’am, We’re Here for You.”
Just who does the planning commission serve? — Applicants? Citizens opposing a project? The “public”? We resume our ethics & the planning commission series with a look at this question.
Being a Planning Commissioner
Why Planners Should Care About Customer Service
Local governments that are not actively engaged in listening and adapting their services to meet the needs and expectations of their customers and citizens are setting themselves up for disappointment and failure.
Avoiding the Unadoptable Plan or Ordinance
There are some simple things you can do to help keep your plan or ordinance from hitting a brick wall at the end of the line. Here’s our Top Ten List of strategies that planning commissioners can use to build momentum for plan or ordinance adoption.
Unadoptable?
Jim Segedy and Lisa Hollingsworh-Segedy on what planning commissioners can do when faced with an “unadoptable” plan or ordinance — including having a “Plan B” strategy.
Why Have Students Serve on Planning Boards?
Have you ever bemoaned the fact that high school students don’t know much about how local government works or the importance of planning for the community’s future? Consider adding a high school student to your planning commission. Lessons from three communities.
A Path for Responsible Service
As commissioners we are a diverse group with a multitude of interests. We bring our unique perspective to the table — and this is a good thing, for commissioners are not in place to be rubber stamps for the interests of others.
Open Meeting Laws – Part 2: Avoiding Open Meeting Law Violations
Attorney Alan C. Weinstein provides an overview of how to avoid violating Open Meetings laws — including situations that are particularly troublesome: meetings in executive session, site-visits, “informal” meetings with staff, and electronic communications.
Open Meeting Laws – Part 1: An Overview
An introduction to the goals and structure of open meeting laws — including a look at the key question: what constitutes a “meeting”?
Are Your Boards “Territory Folks”?
“Territory folks should stick together, Territory folks should all be pals,” said Rodgers & Hammerstein in Oklahoma. How well do your planning commissioners, city councilors, and other city boards — like Territory folks — stick and work together?
The Secrets of Successful Communities – Part 7: Have Strong Leaders and Committed Citizens
Successful communities have strong leaders and committed citizens. It’s true: a small number of committed people can make a big difference in a community.
Can a Planning Board Be Too Organized?
Yes, planning your agendas and having structure to meetings are both important. But there’s also often good reason to have some flexibility in how you run your planning commission meetings.
Planner and Commissioner — The Relationship Between Staff & Commissioners
Our series wraps up, as our seven participants point to ways of strengthening the relationship between staff planners and planning commissioners.
Planner and Commissioner — Advice for Staff Planners
Today, suggestions for staff planners — based on our participants’ experience as planning commissioners.
