Basic Encore Series

Learn Skills

Co-Sponsor: Lincoln Institute of Land Policy

Introduction to the Planning Commission: This two-part, four-hour course contains all the essential ideas planning commissioners need to dive into their work. A combination of lecture and panel discussion gives attendees the opportunity to hear a variety of perspectives and experiences. Local planning department staff can use the course outline and instructions provided to develop supplemental training on issues specific to their communities.

The program includes: audio/web conference program; two-page technical briefs on the core concepts presented in the program; note sheets of the PowerPoint presentation; a complete course outline with instructions on how to develop the local training; and a checklist of materials needed for local follow-up training.

Introduction to the Planning Commission: Part One
December 5, 2007, 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET or 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. ET

Part One introduces the concepts, principles, and practices of planning. Speakers discuss the framework of governmental decision making for planning. Next they turn to the role of the planning commission, before moving to a discussion of the comprehensive plan, state-mandated planning, the legal standing of the plan, regional plans, and differences between states. The presenters also discuss the tools of planning, such as site plan review and growth management. The program concludes with a discussion of the decision-making process used by the planning commission.

Part One will be broadcast at two times on December 5, 2007. Attend the time most convenient for you.

Introduction to the Planning Commission: Part Two
January 16, 2008, 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. ET or 7:00 p.m.–9:00 p.m. ET

Part Two begins with a short recap of the ideas presented in Part One and then proceeds to a more detailed discussion of the players in the planning process. Special attention is given to each group’s role as well as the point of view they bring to the decision-making process. Presenters discuss how plans are updated, revised, and redone, including reasons for change, the timing of revisions, the newest approaches to plans, and the techniques of plan making. Presenters also discuss plan implementation with case studies of effective techniques before concluding with a look at how to engage citizens, resolve conflicts, and forge relationships.

Part Two will be broadcast at two times on January 16, 2008. Attend the time most convenient for you.

Introduction to the Zoning Board of Adjustment: This program covers all the essentials for ZBA members and staff.

The program includes: audio/web conference; concise written materials; note sheets of PowerPoint presentation; and a complete course outline with instructions on how to develop the local training.

Introduction to the Zoning Board of Adjustment
April 16, 2008, 3:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. ET or 7:00 p.m.–8:30 p.m. ET

The operation of the zoning board of adjustment and the challenges it faces are the focus of this training program. Presenters discuss the purposes of the board and how it conducts sound public meetings. ZBA members will learn to take testimony, assess reports and presentations, and make the meetings accessible to all participants. Presenters also review practices that commonly lead to litigation. Participants learn about variances and how to develop defensible findings of fact. Segment three focuses on conditional and special uses. Throughout, ZBA members will learn not only legal, but also ethical, decision making.

The program will be broadcast at two times on April 16, 2008. Attend the time most convenient for you.