A Task-Force Approach to Replace the Planning Board

Abstract

Abstract For many years most planners have questioned the continued usefulness of independent planning boards. The case made by both earlier and recent “abolitionists” has much merit, but abolition could mean a stifling of effective citizen participation. The proposed alternative embodies legitimate reforms advocated by abolitionists while preserving meaningful citizen participation. It advocates the creation of a flexible number of temporary citizens advisory boards or “task forces,” including one for “long-range planning,” to consult and advise with City Hall through the professional planners. With their assignments strictly limited in scope and time, these task forces, all of equal rank, would be appointed by the chief executive and approved by the legislative body. The basis of board appointments would be citizens' expert knowledge of the process or area under planning study. Boards will interpose a formal layer of non-elected citizens between the professional planner and the legislature and electorat...