Planning Commission “Dynamics”
We asked our survey respondents a series of short “yes” / “no” questions on questions relating to what we’d call planning commission “dynamics.”
Working as a Team
Articles and postings with suggestions on how planning commissioners can work more effectively as a team.
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Most Recent Articles
Most Important Skills for Planning Staff to Have
We asked professional planners what skills they’ve found most important in serving as a staff planner or planning director. A summary of what they told us.
Does Your Planning Commission Have Bad Apples? – Part 2
Don’t just sweep a Bad Apple’s behavior under the rug. It’s important to keep in mind the pernicious impact that tolerating unethical behavior has both on the planning commission and on the community.
Does Your Planning Commission Have Bad Apples? – Part 1
“One Bad Apple can spoil the barrel.” Just as in any other group, planning commissions can have their share of Bad Apples, whose unaddressed behavior can range from a breach of basic courtesy to violations of ethics and, in extreme situations, even criminal actions.
Why Planning Directors Need Brutal Honesty From Their Planning Commissions
Planning commissioners and elected officials often need have awkward and difficult discussions about land use issues. It is essential that decision makers candidly express their thoughts and ideas to planning staff.
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.
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?
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.
Planner and Commissioner — Advice for Planning Commissioners
Our series continues, as we ask our seven planners what advice they’d give to planning commissioners — based on their experience as staff planners.
Planner and Commissioner — Surprises
Today, our seven planners tell us what most surprised them when they started serving on their planning commission.
Planner and Commissioner — Why Serve on a Planning Commission?
We asked seven individuals who have served both as professional and citizen planners to reply to a series of short questions. Today, they explain what got them interested in serving on their community’s planning commission.
Dealing with Commissioners Who Have Too Little to Say
How can a commission chair encourage shy members to speak up? They may be newcomers to the board reluctant to express an opinion; genuinely deep thinkers who need to know all the facts before saying anything; or disinterested or bored individuals.
