On January 31st, more than twenty members of planning commissioners from across the region gathered for a workshop to learn about legal issues relating to planning and zoning, public engagement, and running effective commission meetings. The workshop was hosted by the Central Virginia Planning District Commission (CVPDC) and
featured as the facilitator renowned planning expert Michael Chandler, Ph.D. Chandler is currently the Education Director for the Land Use Education Program housed at Virginia Commonwealth University and has trained and educated more than 15,000 Virginians in matters involving land use planning and zoning practices since 1980.
Topics discussed during the evening training included comprehensive plans, planning’s legal foundations, decision making and the planning commission, and local challenges currently facing area planning commissions. Examples of these issues include impacts of development on traffic and community character, balancing private property rights with community needs, broadband availability, economic development, and uneven growth affecting community resources such as schools.
Following the workshop, attendees had the opportunity to provide input on the content and frequency of future workshops hosted by the CVPDC.
