President's Message: What's Doing, November?
Greetings fellow Western Planners. Thanksgiving is quickly approaching, so this issue of our Journal focuses on” talking turkey” about the law (or talking Tofurky for our vegan supporters). I think that you will find the articles provide plain advice, both in general and more specifically, about aspects of the law that will help us be better planners.
In Using Stories to Make Your Case, we are reminded that, “…our world has been laser-focused on data in the last few months…Data alone does not give us the whole story, as we can see from recent worldwide events. When the two are combined they present a strong case for whatever issue we may be presenting.” The article also stresses that, “Scenarios and real-life stories can work together to strengthen the relevance of the message to the audience. “I think that this is especially pertinent given that most public meetings are now being conducted on virtual platforms. There are ways to engage public participation that can work well on-line and may prevail post-pandemic because they allow people to be involved over temporal and geographic separations in a cost-effective manner.
Getting a bit more specific, the article Resolving Disputes in the West: Land Use Appeals we are presented first with a good story where what should have been a simple lot split literally becomes a congressional case. The article then explores options for resolving land use and property disputes at an early stage, and admonishes, “…the citizen does not approach the counter at the building department with a copy of either Nollan v. California Coastal Commission or Dolan v. City of Tigard in their hand. We as land use professionals understand those cases and in almost every situation keep things in balance by making good staff recommendations.” Speaking from my experiences during years of public service, I think that empathy and good listening skills coupled with an awareness of fairness and due process are essential tools for planners.
Most specifically, in the article Martin v Boise Update, we are provided with details on the evolving ordinances that communities in the west are using to address homelessness. Keep in mind that the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals advised, “the Eighth Amendment preclude[s] the enforcement of a statute prohibiting sleeping outside against homeless individuals with no access to alternative shelter.” The article cites other cases that, “may give us a preview of both how communities throughout the west may amend their camping bans and how the courts might respond.”
Folks, this will be my next to last president’s message, as my term ends when 2020 does, I will then serve as your immediate past-president. While we will bid adieu and perhaps good riddance to 2020, one of my goals is to continue looking into foundation funding to sustain Western Planner. Please contact me with your suggestions and ideas about this effort. I can be reached at president@westernplanner.org Stay well, enjoy a safe and meaningful Thanksgiving, and if you must “talk turkey” endeavor to make it a flock of pleasantries.