As part of my consulting practice I have the opportunity to observe many Planning Commission meetings. I have now worked in over 150 cities and counties in 29 states and the Cayman Islands. Many of these Planning Commission meetings are televised. As a rule, the meetings are very boring and not well done. Yet, here is an opportunity for free TV time which can be used to build support for good planning as well as for building a better community. We need to build a constituency for good planning.
I have been encouraging planners to view the Planning Commission meeting as a combination meeting and TV show. So far I have lots of people smiling about the idea but no takers. I am looking for a community or two to give it a try.
I can't tell you exactly how I would do it but here are a few thoughts:
- Make certain the graphics are clear and read well on the TV monitor.
- Make certain the staff presentation is succinct and makes the point to the Planning Commission, citizens in the audience, and those watching TV.
- Give the Planning Commissioners some TV training. Part of this could simply be showing them how they come across on the tube. The same is true for staff.
- Make certain the names of the speakers are clear on the screen. Generally the name plates on the dais are too small to read from the back of the room.
- Instead of static maps and graphics, take advantage of film. It is inexpensive and easy to manipulate. Most people can relate better to a short film than a static map. One planner even suggested to me, I think as a joke, that they could have a camera in the field with a remote hook up so a planning commissioner could say, "pan over to the left so I can have another look at the landscaping or the view." May sound a bit far out but we are in the technology age. Our kids are doing it on their cell phones.
- Even on consent items, a 45-second film can highlight the importance of this project to the community.
- The planning commissioners like to shine, but there may be a better way than simply giving them the usual air time. How about highlighting one member each meeting with a short (two minute) interview film about how they see the community and the need for good planning. The same could be done for staff. Think outside the box, other community leaders could also be featured. Maybe even Joe the plumber!
- Power point? Yes if properly done. Why not add some sound?
- Check with your local TV station to see if they can give you some professional help or suggestions.
- There are many good films available concerning planning. Arrange with your station to have these shown right after the Planning Commission meeting. Maybe even convince the Commissioners to stay and watch it together over coffee and desert.
- Some communities are also doing short films of their own with topics like:
- Do I need a building permit?
- How to install a retaining wall.
- What the General Plan means for your neighborhood.
- Want to get way out there? Maybe we could get places like Berkeley or Santa Monica to start a Planning Commission Blog that would be underway during the meeting and flash across the screen at the end of the meeting.
Some of you may already be doing one or two things as a start. Email them to me and I will share them with our readers.
The Management Doctor
