Robert Hunter Bruce Cury The session will be designed to provide planners and Planning Commissioners with valuable tools to create effective meetings that result in positive actions. In these lean budget times, using resources and time effectively is critical. Meetings are the planner’s primary vehicle for communicating and getting input from the public. Effective public participation in our planning processes is key. This session will provide perspectives on achieving effective public input in public hearings and running Planning Commission meetings that result in positive changes for the community. Techniques for dealing with challenging individuals, reaching consensus, handling conflicts, politics and keeping meetings on task will be discussed.