Wayne Senville

Planning and zoning commissions need to be diverse to make sure the broad range of issues and concerns are considered. That requires commissioners who are from different parts of town, different walks of life, different ethnic backgrounds, and now, different age groups.

Development typically found only in large urban areas is increasingly popping up in smaller towns and rural areas, posing problems to municipalities as they try to adapt. After visiting many of these small towns in a recent cross-country trip, Wayne Senville discusses some of the challenges they face as the scope of development evolves.

One citizen planner's journey across the United States provides a glimpse at how stronger connections between people and places can create better communities.

While multi-family housing is increasingly built with accessibility in mind, single-family homes have largely escaped any accessibility requirements. But with the boomer generation ready for retirement, the argument for basic accessibility requirements is stronger than ever.

With positive effects on public health, safety, and environmental quality -- walkability has become the new buzz word in planning.

A questionnaire administered by the Planning Commissioners Journal yields fascinating results concerning the diversity, occupational backgrounds, and selection processes of various planning boards and planning board members nationwide.