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It also came as little surprise that a relatively high proportion of commissioners work in development, real estate, building, and related fields (13%). While some replies pointed out the benefits of this, others expressed concern about potential conflicts of interest. One planner from Georgia noted the need for balance: "Applicants for commission openings tend to be concentrated in the development and real estate fields. We make a concerted effort to balance representation and limit self-serving interests."

We were surprised to find a fairly high proportion of commissioners (6%) who are teachers (in either K-12 schools or colleges and universities). On the other hand, certain professions appear to be very poorly represented. Most striking, perhaps, is the paucity of medical professionals serving on planning boards (just 1%).

Several of those responding stressed the importance of other traits over the value of any particular occupational background. As Larry Fronk, Community Development Director for Miami Township, Ohio, put it: "What I have found is the background/education of the Board member is less important than their commitment to the community, their willingness to learn and understand the planning and zoning process, and their willingness to do their 'homework' on upcoming planning issues or zoning cases." Similarly, Paul Ketelsen, Zoning Administrator for Clinton County, Iowa, succinctly noted: "People with intelligence and good judgment are better than trying to find specific backgrounds in the community."

How Commissioners are Selected

Planning commission recruitment and appointment processes were another focus of the questionnaire. 97% of the communities replying indicated that commissioners are appointed. The principal exception being Massachusetts, where 4 of the 9 communities we heard from have elected boards.

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