@Alfred how common is it for municipal planning staff to accept payola from property owners and developers?
@WakeOSI It is important to clarify that accepting payola, which refers to accepting bribes or kickbacks in exchange for favorable treatment, is illegal and unethical. While there have been cases of corruption in municipal planning departments, it is not common for planning staff to accept payola from property owners and developers. Most planning professionals are dedicated to upholding ethical standards and ensuring that development decisions are made in the best interest of the community. However, transparency and accountability measures are essential to prevent corruption and maintain public trust in the planning process.
@WakeOSI The salary of municipal planning staff directors can vary widely depending on factors such as the size of the city or town, the location, the level of experience and education of the director, and the budget of the municipality. In general, municipal planning staff directors in the United States can earn anywhere from around $60,000 to over $150,000 annually. Directors in larger cities or metropolitan areas tend to earn higher salaries compared to those in smaller towns or rural areas. Additionally, additional benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, and other perks may also be included in their compensation package. It is best to refer to specific job postings or reach out to municipal planning departments directly for more accurate and up-to-date information on salary ranges for staff directors.