Every year hundreds of local governments hire consultants for planning projects. But few officials go through the process often enough to feel confident in choosing consultants wisely, working with them effectively, and getting the best results. The author, an experienced planning consultant, knows firsthand the perils and pitfalls of the process. In five easy-to-follow chapters, he maps out a path from the decision to hire a consultant to the victory lap at its successful completion. He shares sources to find qualified consultants, five ways to structure the selection process, what to include in a Request for Proposal, and how to manage the project once the consultant is on board. His practical guide also covers the nitty-gritty of payment, legal and ethical issues, and dispute resolution. An appendix is packed with handy resources, including a sample consulting agreement, scope of services document, and evaluation form.