Advocating for Great Planning in Illinois
Legislative Committee
The purpose of the Legislative Committee is to provide information on legislative matters in Springfield that concern planning officials and professionals and provide an effective voice to advocate on matters concerning planning practice and profession in Illinois.
Chapter Awards
The APA-IL Chapter Awards Program recognizes exceptional plans and individuals in the field of urban planning in Illinois. These plans and individuals demonstrate the outstanding planning that occurs in all corners of our great state. Each year, award winning plans are recognized at the annual Chapter Awards Luncheon at the Chapter's State Conference.
Diversity Committee
Planners work with diverse groups to find a common and encompassing community vision. Diversity within the profession is essential to this work, and APA members are committed to fostering such diversity. The APA-IL's Diversity Committee was formed to address such issues.
Pro Bono Committee
Starting back in 1998, the APA-IL Pro Bono Committee has provided pro-bono planning services and assistance to eligible non-profit organizations, community groups, service agencies and governmental units to initiate, organize, and fine tune early stage planning projects. Our Pro Bono Program has served as a role model for APA Chapters and Sections throughout the US.
Emerging Planning
Professionals Group
The Emerging Planning Professionals Group (EPP) advocates strong participation of students and recent graduates, and persons of any age who are relatively new to the planning profession. The EPP aims to connect individuals through networking events, volunteer opportunities, mentoring, and professional development.
Music
Mentoring
This program is designed for APA-IL young professionals and students who wish to be mentored in either a specific topic or in career development in general. Mentors and protégés are matched by the Mentoring Program Match Committee based on areas of interest and time/location preferences selected by mentors and protégés on their applications.
Great Places in America
APA's flagship program celebrates places of exemplary character, quality, and planning. Places are selected annually and represent the gold standard in terms of having a true sense of place, cultural and historical interest, community involvement, and a vision for tomorrow.
APA Great Places offer better choices for where and how people work and live. They are enjoyable, safe, and desirable. They are places where people want to be — not only to visit, but to live and work every day. America's truly great streets, neighborhoods and public spaces are defined by many criteria, including architectural features, accessibility, functionality, and community involvement.
The Planning Officials Development Committee mission continues as before: to bring high quality and helpful training to Planning and Zoning Commissioners (and other planning officials) throughout Illinois. Training is offered in a partnership with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) and The Chaddick Institute of DePaul University.