Members of the public are encouraged to attend both our board meetings as well as our committee meetings. Members of the public may speak during the non-agenda comment portion of each meeting. Public comment can also be taken on agenda items at the chair’s discretion.

When you arrive at one of our meetings, you may wish to sign the sign-in sheet to assist in listing attendees in the Minutes. (Signing-in is optional, though the sign-in sheet is used during elections to establish eligibility to run for a seat.).

Those wishing to provide written comments on agenda items to the entire board for its review prior to a meeting are asked to email them to the board chairperson using the Uptown Planners contact form.

Public comment sheets may be available at meetings to help the board recognize speakers and record their interest.

See the next section, Meeting Location Details, for specific location information and updates.

Committees of the Uptown Planners are working committees. Our committees perform a helpful role in clarifying issues, going through details, allowing fuller discussion on topics, and preparing recommendations for action to the full board. Committees assist our board by allowing it to focus on decision-making within the limited amount of time each month during which the full board is seated.

Members of the public are welcome to attend and participate in our committee meetings. Committee chairs place notices about meeting times and location on our website 72 hours in advance. And we do our best to share these notices via social media. If you wish to contact a committee chair directly, please send a message to our board chair using our contact form.

Uptown Planners maintains four standing committees:

Design Review Committee: A forum for presenting conceptual ideas for projects and for obtaining recommendations prior to meeting before the full board. Public and committee comments often help the applicants produce a better project prior to being heard at the general meeting. The committee and attendees have the opportunity to provide feedback intended to help guide projects to an appropriate cohesive final proposal.

Public Facilities Committee: Provides recommendations to the board on the use of funding that supports infrastructure improvements. Committee topics may include:  the use of Developer Impact Fees (“DIF”) proposals to develop parks, libraries, transportation and mobility; parking issues; or any other infrastructure projects.

Historic Resources Committee: Provides recommendations and information to the Uptown Planners Board on environmental impacts and the effects that new development has on established community character. The focus ensures an analysis of historic resources before modifications occur to ensure that they are compatible with the overall character of the neighborhood as addressed within the Uptown Community Plan.

Operations & Outreach Committee: Provides recommendations regarding board policies and also oversees community communications. Committee topics may include changes to bylaws, meeting procedures, website postings, and use of social media.

The board from time to time also creates special purpose or “ad hoc” committees.

Design Review Committee – Chair:  Patty Ducey-Brooks
Members: Mary Brown, Chris Cole, Lu Rehling

Public Facilities Committee – Chair:  Stu McGraw
Members: Juli Hyde, Jim Walsh, Susan White

Historic Resources Committee – Chair: Patty Ducey-Brooks
Members: Mary Brown, Chris Cole, Juli Hyde, Lu Rehling, Susan White

Operations & Outreach Committee – Chair: Lu Rehling
Members: Don Liddell, Mary McKenzie, Jim Walsh

Plan Hillcrest Committee (Ad Hoc)  – Chair: Stu McGraw
Members: Blake Peterson, Lu Rehling

Election Committee (Ad Hoc)  – Chair:  Mary McKenzie
Members: Chris Cole, Juli Hyde, Jim Walsh