Making Planning Accountable
How do measure the success of planning in your town, city, or county? Mike Chandler looks at some basic ways to make planning accountable.
The Planning Commission at Work
The inimitable team of Jim Segedy, FAICP, and Lisa Hollingsworth-Segedy, AICP, offer creative ways in which planning commissions can work better. The Planning Commission At Work column was previously authored for nearly ten years by long-time planning educator Michael Chandler.
Citizen Planning Academies
One of the major challenges facing most communities, and their planning boards, is how to explain planning and the planning process in terms citizens can understand. Mike Chandler looks at how “citizen planning academies” helped in two Virginia counties.
Capital Improvement Programs
In this series of three columns, Michael Chandler covers the basics of the planning commission’s role in putting together a recommended capital improvement program.
Commission and Staff: Expectations of Each Other
Planning commissioners and staff need to identify the expectations each has of the other.
The Planning Commission As Independent Advisor
Michael Chandler on why developing closer relationships with governing bodies is something planning commissions need to work on.
Putting Vision in Our Plan
Michael Chandler discusses four steps involved in a community “visioning” process.
Making Change Happen
Michael Chandler explains why planning commissions should view change as an opportunity rather than a threat.
Getting the Job Done
Strategies planning boards can use to help commissioners better prepare for meetings, participate more effectively during meetings, and follow-up on items after meetings.
Preparing An Implementable Comprehensive Plan
Ten questions your commission should ask itself when it’s time to prepare or revise the comprehensive plan.
Are You Organized For Business?
Mike Chandler provides a 20-question exercise that can help your commission see how well it’s organized for business.
Taking the Planning Commission’s Pulse
Michael Chandler offers an organizational “diagnostic” to help commissions clarify their role.
Making the Most of Your Meeting Time, Parts I & II
Mike Chandler offers two exercises that can help you make the most of your meeting time; plus a look at debriefing your planning commission meetings
Enhancing Your Commission’s Productivity
How you can improve your commission’s “productive capacity” through new member orientation, mission statements, and work programs.
