Fostering Diverse Perspectives on Planning and Zoning Boards
Zoning Practice — September 2022
By Christine Quattro, AICP
Not a member but want to buy a copy? You'll need to create a free My APA account to purchase.
Create account
Appointed planning commissions and zoning board members guide both long-range planning and day-to-day land-use decision-making. This supports and balances the work of zoning administrators, city planning staff, and elected officials. The backgrounds of these individuals, therefore, are important factors for how planning and zoning administration is enacted. The privileged few who are both offered and able to fill these positions shape planning and zoning operations.
This issue of Zoning Practice highlights the importance of diversifying planning and zoning boards. It discusses the historical lack of educational and professional diversity on these boards and offers guidance for administrators and city leaders to help them recruit, retain, and train board members that reflect the goals and populations of their communities.
Details
About the Author
Christine Quattro, AICP
Dr. Chris Quattro, AICP, is an Assistant Professor at Appalachian State University. They hold a PhD in City and Regional Planning from the University of Pennsylvania, specializing in planning law and land use. Quattro is the Lead Land Development Researcher for a private San Antonio law firm and a Watauga County Housing Council member in North Carolina. Previously, Dr. Quattro was the City Planning and Development Director for San Antonio City Council District 1 and a Zoning Board Member for Yeadon Borough, Pennsylvania. Their work focuses on community-based projects and advocacy planning, particularly regulatory system impacts on community development.