At the start of its meeting the Douglas County Planning Commission elected Paul Bruno chair and Maureen Casey vice chair for 2026.

Outgoing leadership and several commissioners praised the nominees’ service. Chair Bruno, after accepting the nomination, asked for patience as he begins his inaugural full year and said he aims for fair, educated, and unbiased review of commission matters.

The commission took public comment on the leadership nominations; Jim Slade said he had no objection to Bruno serving as chair. Both elections passed unanimously with voice votes recorded in the meeting minutes.

Bruno pledged to rely on staff and commissioners as he assumes chair duties and noted the planning calendar will be busy with Title 20 updates and area plans in the coming year.