Planning Commissioners Journal

Art & Soul in Planning

The Orton Family Foundation has done some terrific work in Vermont, Colorado, Maine, and other parts of the country in engaging citizens in local planning. A recent project of theirs in the small town of Starksboro, Vermont, is especially interesting as it uses storytelling and art as key elements in the planning process. Take a look at this short video. For more on the Starksboro project.

For more on the importance of the arts to local planning, see Ric Stephens' short article, "Where's Art in Planning" (free pdf download) from the Fall 2009 issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal.

Take a look also at our new Resource page on Art in Planning. It's a work in progress, and we'd welcome your suggestions for additional links or resources to cite.

Ride the Bus

The just published Fall issue of the Planning Commissioners Journal features an article by Hannah Twaddell on how to better plan for rural public transit. But it's also important to promote bus service. Take a look at these two short public service announcements, the first from Red Rose Transit in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, the second from the Town of Ocean City, Maryland. Let us know of any bus-related PSA's you've enjoyed.