Our Spring issue: Car Sharing; Gen Xers; Chairing the Commission; and more.

From PCJ Editor Wayne Senville:

Here's a quick look at the contents of our Spring issue -- due out May 2nd.

Our cover article, Ready for Car Sharing?, by talented transportation planner Hannah Twaddell, takes a look at the growing interest in car sharing and factors important to the success of local programs.

Two articles focus on how to involve those in their 20s and 30s in local planning: The Next Generation of Your Planning Commission, by Kit Hodge (also includes feedback from Richard Florida and several planners & planning commissioners) and Consider the Needs of Generation Xers ..., by Elaine Cogan.

You'll also find tips from long-time planning commission chair Carol Whitlock on the ins and outs of chairing a planning commission.

Greg Dale returns with cautionary advice on dealing with ex parte communications.

Ric Stephens talks about urban design "cookies."

And last, but not least, we introduce two new columnists: Jim Segedy and Lisa Hollingsworth, who will be resuming our "Planning Commission at Work" column. Over the course of the year, they'll be focusing on the basics of putting together the comp plan.

If you're not currently a subscriber to the Planning Commissioners Journal, why not try out our quarterly publication. Use our online subscription form, and we'll start you off with our Spring issue -- due out May 2nd. Or call our office: 802-864-9083 (government orders can request invoice).

Individuals articles are also be available to purchase & download. Click on the article links above if you're interested in learning more about the article and/or downloading it.

Table of Contents: Spring 2008 Issue:

Ready for Car Sharing? by Hannah Twaddell
-- Car sharing is taking off across North America. It offers a way of reducing auto use, while providing increased transportation options and yielding financial savings to users. A look at how car sharing programs work and some of the key issues involved.

The Next Generation of Your Planning Commission, by Kit Hodge
-- Is your planning commission positioned to deal with not just today’s issues, but tomorrow’s? That may well depend on whether you’ve taken steps to involve the next generation of planning commissioner.

Consider the Needs of Generation Xers in Your Public Involvement Strategies, by Elaine Cogan
-- PCJ columnist Elaine Cogan outlines ways of involving younger people in the planning process.

Chairing the Planning Commission, by Carol J. Whitlock
-- A long-time planning commission chair offers her insights on ways to run fair and effective commission meetings and hearings. Plus a staff planner’s perspective from Lee Krohn.

Revisiting Ex Parte Contacts, by C. Gregory Dale, FAICP
-- Just about every planning commission at some time faces questions about ex parte contacts. Greg Dale explains why ex parte contacts can cause problems and how to avoid common pitfalls.

The Importance of Cookies, by Ric Stephens
-- Don’t lose sight of the little things that make life enjoyable in our community.

Your Community’s Little Instruction Book, by Lisa Hollingsworth and Jim Segedy
-- Our “Planning Commission At Work” column returns, with a focus on the basics of putting together the comprehensive plan.

Planetizen Update
-- The Editors of Planetizen highlight six web sites of special interest to citizen planners.