Make sure that your staff is cross trained so that no one person is the only one able to answer certain questions. Be sure to schedule time to work on those long range projects. Budgets Small agencies often mean small budgets, so it's important to be creative and learn how to stretch that budget. Perhaps you can share secretarial services with another department. If there is a university anywhere nearby, recruit for volunteer interns or class projects.
Senior citizens can also be effective volunteers in planning agencies.
State extension services frequently offer planning assistance. If you have a state planning service, take advantage of them at every opportunity. Take a class in grant writing and watch for funding. Be sure to include training money in your budget. At the very least, join the American Planning Association and read every issue of Planning from cover to cover.