A Conversation About Planning Maine Municipal Association Convention October 8, 2015

Different Towns/Different Needs Who are you – town planner, CEO, planning board member, selectman, other? How many of your towns have a planner, a CEO who also functions as a planner, have neither? How many of your towns are growing, losing population, neither growing nor losing population?

Definition of Planning Merriam-Webster ( webster.com/dictionary/planning) says that planning is “the establishment of goals, policies, and procedures for a social or economic unit” like a town or business

Definition of Planning Others introduce the concept of planning as: “the process of setting goals, developing strategies, and outlining tasks and schedules to accomplish the goals” “achieve[ing] the “optimum balance of needs or demands with the available resources” and adds “monitor[ing] all steps in their proper sequence” realizing “efficiency and effectiveness,” looking at “multiple scenarios…and how to react to them,” and reducing “the necessary time and effort of achieving the goal.”

Definition of Planning The American Planning Association defines planning as: “a dynamic profession that works to improve the welfare of people and their communities by creating more convenient, equitable, healthful, efficient, and attractive places for present and future generations. Planning enables civic leaders, businesses, and citizens to play a meaningful role in creating communities that enrich people's lives.

Definition of Planning Good planning helps create communities that offer better choices for where and how people live. Planning helps communities to envision their future. It helps them find the right balance of new development and essential services, environmental protection, and innovative change.”

What Do Planners Do? Staff a planning board Prepare comprehensive plans, strategic plans, sector plans Prepare ordinances Plan for and manage community and economic development plans Sometimes, code enforcement Manage volunteers Write and administer grant applications

What Do Planners Do? Prepare transportation plans Prepare emergency management plans Plan and implement brownfields plans Prepare waste management plans Prepare plans and manage development for areas where towns meet unorganized territory Coordinate with other agencies, including other towns, regions, the state, and the feds

Today’s Panel a former town planner, now a town manager, a CEO a regional planner a planning consultant

The type of planning assistance you need depends on: how your town is structured how much you are growing and/or want to grow, and the kinds of natural resource constraints and infrastructure you are blessed or plagued with.