Insights from the Planning Commission

by Mandy Wallner, City of Richland

City planning became of special interest to me when I saw an opening for the City of Richland’s Planning Commission. I began looking into the Commission: their mission, what they do, how often they meet, etc. I knew this was the right fit for me. I applied for the opening, interviewed, but was not selected. When notified, they stated that I was up against the incumbent to that position who was interested in continuing to serve, and was encouraged to apply again. Disappointed, I waited for the next opening, which came a few months later, mid-term for one of the seated members. I jumped at the chance to reapply and this time was appointed. After later having the opportunity to sit on the panel choosing new members, the choice often comes down to the candidate pool and amount of time and depth of advertising the position. 

For anyone interested in serving their city, boards and commissions are a great way to give back. I strongly encourage those interested to apply and reapply when seats are open for these important roles. As I mentioned, appointment is often based on who applies at the time and changes with each cycle.  The level of experience of members often differs greatly but most helpful in these positions is a variety of backgrounds and knowledge of the jurisdiction you’re serving—whether its land use or real estate, transportation or planning. It’s important to remain neutral on items that you’re passionate about or special interests so as not to use the position to try and advance personally or push an agenda remembering that serving the highest and best use of the city is paramount.

Richland is rapidly growing community in Southcentral Washington.

I began my tenure anxious to serve and help shape the city through project review, public hearings and recommendations to the city council. A six-year commitment gave me enough time to learn the parts of city code that were applicable, Roberts Rules of Order, and eventually afforded me the opportunity to serve as Vice-Chair and Chair of the Planning Commission. This was a role that I took seriously and wanted to do my best. Besides appearing in the meetings which were televised and on record in perpetuity, I believed that the commission played a vital role in the process of governance. 

I learned a lot about planning at the city: the code language, the process, the protocols and how items and projects moved through the system. Once a recommendation was made on an item of business, it was always interesting to see the projects work through the council and back to staff, eventually coming to life and taking shape. It made me feel that I helped make a difference and played a part, albeit small, in the growth and development of our city.

While I learned a lot as a planning commissioner, it was not without some struggle and a lot of compromise. I served with nine other members and then the commission was reduced in size by the city council to seven members. In both instances we had a lot of strong personalities. We often came to the best outcome for the city but it often took a lot of discussion, some late nights and a lot of compromise. When I would review the packet, I would develop my own thoughts and feelings surrounding the project or proposal and, if we had a workshop and opportunity to discuss, that position often evolved. However, if an item did not come to workshop and went straight to public hearing, it was tough to hear compelling input from the public without the time to research or provide them adequate response before making a recommendation. Delaying an item during a public hearing was only used if there were large issues with the proposal or something glaring that needed to be sorted out so as not to hold up the applicant from moving their project forward. Staff was heavily relied upon for their background and knowledge of a project, as well as to have sorted out the issues and barriers prior to bringing it forward.

Additionally, as the Chair, there were new struggles in mediating the conversation among the commissioners regarding ‘hot button’ issues and bringing about consensus. Often the conversation could ‘get in the weeds’ regarding an agenda item and redirecting to the matter and decision at hand was often at the root of the job. This is difficult when many of the projects had a lot of moving parts and vested interests. However, we were just being asked about the zoning, for example, not the traffic, or layout, or design, which often distracted from the mission.

My tenure on the Commission ended when I interviewed for and was offered a position in the Economic Development Department at the city. This was a dream come true for me. I had always wanted to work for a municipality and knew that was where I wanted my career to take me, even if I did not know how I would get there sometimes. 

The best experience that prepared me for my position on the planning commission was quite simple: working with groups of people, managing a board of directors, and knowing Robert’s Rules of Order. I have a college education and diverse work experience, but those were the skills that best served me in those rolls. These same skills still help in moving forward in my role as staff, though education and background played a larger roll there then in my six years with the Planning Commission.

Economic development is the perfect fit—working on real estate sales, development projects, marketing, planning and zoning, community relations, program management and so many other widely diverse topics. This new endeavor meant there was a conflict with serving on the planning commission and I had to resign. I did not know at the time, but I get to visit my former planning commissioners and present items on behalf of the city. Knowing the process, and how to give them the information they need, has greatly benefitted me in my new role with the city. Additionally, knowing how projects move through the city, codes, project terms, areas of town and other key information from the planning commission helped me hit the ground running in my new role and has been invaluable. Volunteering and giving back to my community has always been rewarding, but this position was the most rewarding volunteer experience I have had.

About the Author

Mandy Wallner is currently the Marketing Specialist for Economic Development at the City of Richland in Washington. She has been in the field for 2.5 years, with a background in small business and events. She graduated from Washington State University—Go Cougs!