PCJ Back Issues: 2004-2012 + Selected Earlier Issues

We're clearing out our print inventory as we prepare to re-open this August as an online-only resource. We've taken more than 50% off the price of our back issues. Each is now available for just $7.50. For details on the content of each back issue, use the link in the title or click on the cover image. Maximum $5.00 shipping regardless of size of your order.

PCJ #85, Winter 2012 Strengthening Local Economies: The Role Food Can Play -- a look at several Boston-area projects connecting planning and food. Plus: an introduction to "complete streets"; a roundtable discussion on ways to strengthen the planning process; "plannerisms" we can do without; and more.

PCJ #84, Fall 2011 Points of View -- in our feature article: tips from 25 individuals who have served both as professional and citizen planners. Plus: the difference can one planning commissioner make; using the wisdom of the crowd; and more.

PCJ #83, Summer 2011 Affordable Housing Matters -- articles on the economic & fiscal benefits of affordable housing; dealing with teardowns; and a look at several workforce housing initiatives. Plus: using stories as a planning tool; why comp plans gather dust; and taking a "placemaking" approach to development.

PCJ #82, Spring 2011 Putting Words Into Action -- articles on: how to strengthen connections between your comp plan and land use regulations. Plus: bringing an economic perspective to planning; what scale of development works best; and is the era of strip development nearing an end?

PCJ #81, Winter 2011 Recognizing Community Assets -- articles on cultural asset mapping; understanding urban growth boundaries; tips for citizen planners; the control of billboards; and more.

PCJ #80, Fall 2010 Where Are We Heading? -- articles on how transportation planning can help foster livable communities; the importance of "place making;" understanding regional retail development; conducting a "community character" inventory; and more.

PCJ #79, Summer 2010 Open for Business -- articles in this issue focus on the relationship between planning and local economies, inlcuding a look at the role of business improvement districts. Plus: ways planning commissions can work better together as a group.

PCJ #78, Spring 2010 Housing Choices -- including articles on how changing demographics are affecting housing demand -- and how planners can respond. Also in this issue: drafting clear ordinances: do's and dont's; 21st century transportation planning challenges; and more.

PCJ #77, Winter 2010 Contentious Public Hearings -- planners and planning commissioners from across the country offer practical suggestions based on what's worked in their communities. Also in this issue: building your planning process from the ground up.

PCJ #76, Fall 2009 Zoning for Religious Institutions -- a primer on key zoning issues. Also in this issue: tips on preparing & implementing the comp plan; planning for public transit in rural communities; where's art in planning; and more.

PCJ #75, Summer 2009 Libraries at the Heart of Our Communities -- featuring a report on the changing role of libraries and how they can become important economic engines of downtowns and neighborhoods. Also in this issue: tips on becoming a more effective public speaker, and more.

PCJ #74, Spring 2009 Getting the Density You Want -- how you can plan for the density that works best for your community. Also in this issue: picking up the phone to generate citizen involvement; implementing the comp plan; improving roadways for everyone; and more.

PCJ #73, Winter 2009 Managing Stormwater -- featuring two articles on the changing nature of stormwater management. Also in this issue: the ABC's of transit-oriented development; conducting a community self-assessment; and more.

PCJ #72, Fall 2008 Pattern Books for Communities -- featuring a look at the growing use of pattern books. Also in this issue: an overview of GIS & planning; dealing with information overload; and more.

PCJ #71, Summer 2008 Envisioning Greenways -- a "four-step path" to developing a successful greenway trail. Also in this issue: an introduction to charrettes; strategies for guiding development at the edge of a community; key elements in a visioning process; and more.

PCJ #70, Spring 2008 Now Out of Print Ready for Car Sharing? -- a look at how car sharing programs work and some of the key challenges involved. Also in this issue: chairing the planning commission; examining ex-parte contacts; involving Generation Xers in planning; and more.

PCJ #69, Winter 2008 Downtown Futures -- Editor Wayne Senville's trip across the U.S. focused on how a number of communities have sought to strengthen -- or create -- downtowns and town centers.

PCJ #68, Fall 2007 Crossing America -- reports from meetings with planners along U.S. Route 50 from Maryland to California: Small Cities, Big Challenges; Rain to Recreation; First Suburbs; Village People; and Around Town. Also in this issue: assessing the need for a bypass highway; and more.

PCJ #67, Summer 2007 Roadways -- including three articles on roadways: planning for better roadscapes; dealing with commercial strips; and a look at the ITE urban thoroughfares reports.

PCJ #66, Spring 2007 Housing for All? -- changes in public policy and design practices are beginning to prepare for the growing number of seniors who want to "age in place." Also in this issue: approaches to better engaging the public in planning; McMansions and the geometry of zoning; downtown economic development; and more.

PCJ #65, Winter 2007 To Build or Not to Build -- featuring "Proforma 101: Getting Familiar With a Basic Tool of Real Estate Analysis." Also in this issue: a look at the growing interest in walkable communities.

PCJ #64, Fall 2006 Where We Remember -- Planners and planning commissioners often fail to give serious attention to cemetery needs; an overview of issues that come up in planning for cemeteries. Also in this issue: why downtown main streets are good for the environment; the importance of "framing" messages; and more.

PCJ #63, Summer 2006 Now Out of Print Farm to Community -- featuring articles on food & agriculture, including: Farmland Protection: What's Behind the Growing Interest; Community Food Needs & Opportunities; the Journey from Farm to Table; and Downtown Grocery Stores.

PCJ #62, Spring 2006 Center Places -- a growing number of suburban cities are seeking to creat a hub for their community -- a look at some efforts and the challenges they face. Also in this issue: basics of developing roadway corridor plans; and more.

PCJ #61, Winter 2006 Now Out of Print Bright Ideas -- featuring 21 short articles on innovative ideas and programs dealing with: workforce housing; public participation; using video in planning; commissioners on tour; aging in place; noise pollution; walkable communities; and more. Note: several of these articles will be updated & incorporated into the new Bright Ideas series on the relaunched PlannersWeb site this summer

PCJ #60, Fall 2005 This Land Is Your Land -- featuring articles on property rights and "takings," including a short primer on takings law by noted land use lawyer Dwight H. Merriam. Also in this issue: no such thing as free parking.

PCJ #59, Summer 2005 Manufactured Housing -- manufactured housing is moving beyond the era of the mobile home -- how communities are responding. Also in this issue: a look at the growing role of neighborhood associations in local planning; and removing the regulatory hurdles facing downtown developing.

PCJ #58, Spring 2005 Home Rules -- a look at the benefits and disadvantages of homeowners associations, and how their rules are shaping the lives of more and more people across the country. Also in this issue: planning for the risk of wildfire; how to size up the health of your downtown; benefits of street connectivity; and more.

PCJ #57, Winter 2005 Energy Independence -- how a growing number of local governments are taking steps to promote energy conservation. Plus Bill McKibben on what peak oil has to do with our communities. Also in this issue: how our aging society is shaping planning; and why a strong downtown should be a top priority for planning commissions.

PCJ #56, Fall 2004 Now Out of Print Back to School for Planners -- featuring a look at the impacts schools have on growth and development patterns, and the positive role planners and school board members can play. Also in this issue: a primer on preparing successful grant proposals; and an overview of safe routes to schools programs.

PCJ #55, Summer 2004 Child Care In Our Communities -- cities and counties are responding to the challenge of providing child care facilities. Also in this issue: a primer on transportation demand management; evaluating a planning board's effectiveness; a roundtable discussion of the role of the professional planner; and planning for dogs.

PCJ #54, Spring 2004 Sphere of Influence -- planners are realizing that water scarcity is not just a Western issue. Plus: overlay zoning to protect surface waters; considering stormwater management in site plan review; and beyond the flood of the century.

PCJ #53, Winter 2004 Strip Development -- an overview of some approaches cities and towns can consider in dealing with commercial strip development. Also in this issue: a primer on purchase of development rights programs; how courts approach "takings" cases; how to build consensus on your planning board; and more.

Take a Look Also at this Selection of Earlier Issues of the Planning Comm'rs Journal:

PCJ #52, Fall 2003 Planning for Historic Preservation: The entire issue is focused on historic preservation. Featuring an introduction to historic preservation planning -- followed by "Historic Preservation is Smart Growth;" "Historic Preservation Ordinances: Frequently Asked Questions;" "Preservation Boosts Local Economies;" and more.

PCJ #48, Fall 2002 Very Limited Quantity Remaining Members of the Board Including articles on: how to strengthen the relationship between the commission and governing body; ethics of citizens who have represented "special interests" serving on planning boards; bringing diversity to your planning board; how land use mediation works; and a look at the common complaint "we don't have enough parking."

PCJ #43, Summer 2001 An Introduction to Urban Design -- an introduction to urban design and how it can be used to created more "people-oriented" places. Also in this issue: taking the mystery out of economic development; building codes get smarter; a primer on the use of overlay zones; and more.

PCJ #42, Spring 2001 Zoning Basics -- Michael Chandler & Greg Dale cover the basics, providing an overview of the purposes of zoning; the structure of a typical zoning ordinance; and the principal players in the "zoning universe." Also in this issue: barriers to better land development; the role farmers markets can play in urban revitalization; and more.

PCJ #41, Winter 2001 Public Buildings -- Mediocre or magnificent? Drab or dignified?. How our public buildings reflect the value we place on our communities. Also in this issue: an introduction to the role design guidleines can play in preserving community character; harnessing our passion for planning; and more.

PCJ #40, Fall 2000 Which Road Will We Take? -- featuring a look at how one metro area is integrating land use policies into its transportation plans; and why wider and straighter roads are not always the answer to traffic problems. Also in this issue; an 8-step process to implement your comprehensive plan; ethical considerations when a commissioner speaks at community meetings; and more.

PCJ #38, Spring 2000 The Promise of America The special issue of the PCJ, written by planning historian Laurence C. Gerckens, FAICP, offers a fasinating look at what Gerckens considers the ten most important failures and successes that shaped the 20th century American city. If you have any interest in American history and its relationship to land use and planning, this is an issue you'll truly enjoy. Start reading from the front -- the first ten pages are on "The Promise Kept." Start reading from the back cover -- the last ten pages are on "The Promise Broken."

PCJ #31, Summer 1998 Very Limited Quantity Remaining Take Notice - Procedural Due Process & Transfer of Davelopment Rights -- our two feature articles: attorneys Dwight Merriam & Robert Sitkowski look at the basics of procedural due process; planner Rick Pruetz provides an introduction to transfer of development rights programs. Plus: how comp plans are changing; why bicyclists and pedestrians belong; and more.

PCJ #26, Spring 1997 Diagnosing Your Community -- how a diagnostic study can better focus a community's long-range planning efforts; an introduction to "traffic calming;" basics of traffic roundabouts; when commissioners feel the need to "get even;" benefits of holding a retreat for your commission; and stopping sprawl by growing smarter.

PCJ #20, Fall 1995 Come to Order! -- the importance of rules of procedure, including a model outline of motions for planning commissions and zoning boards, adapted from Robert's Rules. Plus: how communities can gain control over fast-food franchise design; ways in which commissioners can more effectively work with elected officials; and more.

PCJ #1, November/December 1991 Taming the Automobile -- the feature article of our very first issue asked a question still quite relevant twenty years later: how can we make our streets more "pedestrian friendly"? Also inside: rethinking residential street design; a "customer service" to providing planning services; the use of accessory apartments; and a look at conflicts of interest.