cover of Now Youre on Board In this release from the Planning Commissioners Journal, Elaine Cogan -- honored for her more than thirty years of work with communities undertaking strategic planning & visioning processes -- provides insights on the valuable role planning board members play, and how they can use their skills most effectively.

Through a series of 25 practical tips -- illustrated by Marc Hughes -- Elaine Cogan shows both new and old planning commissioners how they can not just survive, but thrive, on their board.

Now that You're on Board
How to Survive ... and Thrive
... as a Planning Commissioner
-- now available in pdf format --

Now that You're on Board is out-of-print (and there are no current plans to republish it). But we have prepared a downloadable, high-quality pdf of the complete publication at a substantially reduced price: $15.00. What's more, if you're a Planning Commissioners Journal subscriber, you can take an additional 25% off the price.

Not sure if Now that You're on Board is for you? Sample it: download Part I of the booklet right now at no charge.

Download the complete 52 page booklet for just $15.00 ($11.25 for PCJ subscribers).
-- If you are a Planning Commissioners Journal subscriber, activate your discount now / not yet a subscriber, you can subscribe now & then activate your discount.

Some Feedback:

"Now that You're on Board is an easy-to-read guide book full of practical tips for Planning Commissioners and other citizens involved in the public community planning process. The guide provides thoughtful advice on topics ranging from the conduct of meetings, working with staff and elected officials, and public involvement. I purchased copies for all Kirkland's existing Planning Commission members and I plan to use it as part of the orientation for all new members."
-- Eric Shields, Director, Kirkland [Washington] Dept. of Planning & Community Development
"Your excellent informational booklet, Now that You're on Board by Elaine Cogan, should be an addition to every Planning and Zoning Commissioner's library as reference material."
-- Judith Cutler, Chair, Cedar Falls [Iowa] Planning and Zoning Commission
"The book's important and welcome message is both on the need for planning boards to reach out to the public ... and to create an atmosphere at meetings that respects all board members. ... The New York Planning Federation receives several calls a month from planning board or ZBA members asking how they can effectively deal with the public and with one another. Reading Now that You're on Board and taking some of its easy-to-follow suggestions to heart is a good place to start."
-- Lael Locke, Editor, New York Planning Federation's Planning News (from book review in Winter 2007 issue)
"I encourage all Planning Commissioners, especially new appointees, to obtain and use Now that You're on Board."
-- Richard L. Stup, Planning & Zoning Administrator, City of Brunswick, Maryland