Planning Board Composition: 2002 Survey Results |
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Planning Board Turnover Rates in Massachusetts excerpted from a broader study, "The Local Capacity Building Project: Summary Report and Recommendations" (Feb. 2000) prepared by the Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation Program, University of Massachusetts. The study also examined planning board workloads, access to professionals, and training opportunities. For more information, contact Gisela Walker, Extension Educator. B. Board Turnover To verify anecdotal accounts that turnover/vacancy rates are generally high in these positions, and that finding replacements is often difficult, LCBP conducted a survey covering 640 planning and zoning board members and discovered that:
These figures indicate that 2/3 of planning/zoning board members have less than six years experience in their position - with half having served three years or less. 66% said town-wide board turnover was moderate to high. Because planning and zoning boards have 5-year terms, this data indicates that only 33% of current members choose to serve more than one term. In this survey, stress factors (Busy, Tired, Politics, Conflicts, Poor Image) were the primary reason for 71% of board turnover. Training and access to professional staff would address many key contributors to burnout. More effective, properly supported boards are likely to experience less tension, suffer fewer ramifications from wrong decisions, gain in status/image in their community, and feel a greater sense of reward for their service.
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