ILAPA News BURST! Chicago Metro Section Report

Chicago Metro Section Report by Michael Mays, AICP

As fall is fast approaching and we race to the close of 2006, it brings with it some familiar events and new opportunities for the Chicago Metro Section:

Program Committee Meeting: The CMS’s primary focus is to offer monthly programs that allow planners and members of other organizations to come together and discuss topics that are relevant to our profession. Each year the Program Committee meets in October to discuss, select and plan programs for the following calendar year and we are always looking for new members to bring fresh ideas to the table. In recent years we have been very successful in bringing new people to the table from other organizations which has resulted in many great co-sponsorship opportunities.

This year’s committee meeting will be held on Friday, October 20th at 9:00 AM in the new Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) offices at the Sears Tower in Chicago (233 South Wacker Drive, Suite 800). If you are interested in getting more involved in APA or would like a hand in selecting the events that you attend, this is your opportunity! Please let me know if you are interested.

Get out the Vote! As mentioned in the last addition of the newsletter, election ballots will be going out to the CMS membership for 2007-09 APA-CMS officers this fall. Allison Laff, Vijay Gadde, Julie Summers and Heather Tabbert have agreed to run for CMS executive board positions. Their expertise and dedication will serve the membership well over the next two years. Please show your support and vote when you receive your ballot.

Get Involved: Have you ever considered getting involved in APA? By getting involved, you can benefit immediately and directly from the exposure to peers in the Chicago area. With a section membership of over 1000, we have the advantage of membership support in a fairly small geographic area. Involvement in APA can provide you the opportunity to meet many great individuals, not only in our profession, but other disciplines that are related to planning. On many occasions, I sought advice from these contacts on planning issues and professional development growth.

Involvement in APA can also help reenergize your excitement for the profession. No matter how much you love your job, it can be drag at times. You know what I am talking about - the nights when a public meeting goes past 1:00 AM and your mind is numb from the audience tearing apart your presentation and/or recommendation. By being involved in APA you have the opportunity to explore some of the broad concepts and ideas of the profession. You get to see what others are accomplishing in their communities and it provides inspiration for your daily work.

As always, I encourage your feedback. The CMS Executive Board cannot be completely responsive to our membership unless we hear from you. Please give me a call (630-719-4766) or email at mmays@vil.woodridge.il.us – thanks.

Click for the 2006 Chicago Metro Section Calendar of Events

Michael Mays, AICP
Village of Woodridge
5 Plaza Drive
Woodridge, IL 60517
Phone: 630.719.4766
Fax: 630.719.4906
mmays@vil.woodridge.il.us