ILAPA News BURST! Illinois State Section Update

Illinois State Section Update by Kim Smith, AICP

	Illinois State Section Spring Conference - Wading the Tide What a successful conference! A special thanks goes to Jill Doak and Alan Carmen, City of Rock Island, for their fantastic work in planning and hosting such a well-attended, and well-enjoyed conference. This was just the boost our section needed! The conference featured a mix of topics including a presentation on the Rock Island Residential Rain Garden Program, a tour of the developing Chippiannock Trails Subdivision and historic Chippiannock Cemetery on Thursday. On Friday the highlight was a presentation from Karen Gagnon on the Michigan Cool Cities Initiative. This discussion centered on the topic of attracting and retaining young talent. Thank you also to Gere-Dismer Architects for hosting the evening reception in their beautifully renovated upper story office in downtown Rock Island. Regional Coordinators The Illinois State Section Board is pleased with the level of interest for the Regional Coordinators positions, and plans to officially appoint the Coordinators at the next board meeting on Friday, May 18. The Coordinators will be a valuable resource to help better connect our members to APA. One coordinator will be appointed in each of the six Regions. A map of the Regions is available on the ILAPA website. Once official, a contact list of the newly appointed Coordinators will be posted on our Illinois State Section website.

	Kimberly Smith, AICP, Senior Urban Planner City of Peoria Planning and Growth Management 456 Fulton, Suite 402 Peoria, IL 61602 phone: (309) 494-8612 fax: (309) 494-8680 ksmith@ci.peoria.il.us