Being a Planning Commissioner
by Steven Burt

Asking the right question; evaluating information presented; identifying interests; making no excuses. Lessons from nine years as a member of a local planning and zoning commission.

They jump into the middle of their neighbors' business, staying up late at night to attend meetings, attempting to play Solomon. If they had any sense, they'd be at home playing cards. Around the neighborhood they may be considered opinionated, nosy, busybodies, or "butt-in-skis." But around City Hall they're accorded the title of "planning commissioner." Whether it's an honor or a burden depends on what you're able to make of it.

Allow me to share with you ten lessons learned from nine years' service on a local planning and zoning commission -- lessons that might help make being a planning commissioner more of an honor, and less of a burden.

1. Your Obligation to Contribute. Recognize that you have an obligation to contribute to your planning and zoning meeting, even if you don't have a set of initials following your name and can't name the planner who laid out the streets of Paris. It's not a "chance" to contribute; it's an "obligation" by virtue of your appointment. Study any staff reports, maps, and the like, and come prepared to contribute. If you can't muster the interest to have an opinion, get off the commission. Planning commissions are places for people who care and want to make a difference to their communities. They're not the place for fence-straddlers who are unable to make up their mind. ...

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