Now in our 18th year, the Planning Commissioners Journal provides concise information designed to make planning commissioners more comfortable - and effective - in their role. Available now, the PCJ's current issue, "Getting the Density You Want", covers a wide range of topics giving citizen planners the background and perspective they need on planning issues they face.

Included in the Spring 2009 issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal:

The Density Challenge. That's what many of us face: trying to figure out what densities will work best in our communities, and where. Density-related disputes can be among the most heated that planning commissioners face. In this issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal, planning consultant Elizabeth Humstone asks us to take a step back, and consider some of the factors that come into play when considering density.

Transportation & Safety. Our transportation planning columnist, Hannah Twaddell, focuses in our Spring issue on why transportation planners need to consider more than just motor vehicles when considering safety. You'll hear about "complete streets," and read some startling statistics on the financial impacts of traffic accidents.

Rounding out our issue:
-- Civic consultant Otis White explains how phone trees can be used to generate high turnout at planning-related meetings.
-- Elaine Cogan offers her insights on how planning commissioners can be most effective at meetings.
-- The Editors of Planetizen report on some web sites worth visiting.

One other important piece of news. Editor Wayne Senville has just returned from the first leg of a multi-year "project" -- circling the U.S. to report on planning issues facing a wide range of communities, big and small, East, West, North, and South. You can follow his travels on: www.CircleTheUSA.com. Wayne hopes to have the chance to meet some of you along the way.

-------------------------
For details on our Spring issue and subscription information: http://www.plannersweb.com/ Our PlannersWeb site features a wide spectrum of informative -- and sometimes offbeat -- news and notes, as well as an outstanding archive of conversations, projects, and ideas. Take a look a where we've been and where we are going. And check us out on http://www.Facebook.com - we'll be happy to hear from you.

For additional information contact:
Wayne Senville
Editor, Planning Commissioners Journal
P.O. Box 4295
Burlington, VT 05406
www.plannersweb.com