Wednesday, September 13, 2023

9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Held at the Naperville Municipal Center

Cost for Commissioners: single day $75 | full conference (3 days): $200 

 

It's back! Plan commissioners work hard reading packets, reviewing cases, conducting public hearings, and considering policy matters; but they rarely get the chance to sit back and look at the big picture of what they do and the significance it has to the communities in which they live. That will be the focus of this all-day track.

 

Most commissioners are not professionals in the planning or development field and can benefit from a bit of extra training on the topic. Even seasoned commissioners appreciate the chance to step back from the task of plan review and approval, learn what’s new in planning, and discuss their role with fellow commissioners.

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All planning officials, boards, and commissions are welcome.

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Session 1:  Panel Discussion with Planners and Attorneys (start: 9:00 AM)

• Introduction to planning and tools of the trade – History, comp plans, zoning, roles of other parties, responsibilities of commissioners 

• Planning Tricks of the Trade – Running a meeting, Findings of Fact, Ethics, Ex Parte, conflict of interest, open meetings

 

Networking Lunch

• This is a great opportunity to network with commissioners from other communities! Lunch is included in registration fee.

 

Session 2: Walking Tour & Mock Hearing (1:00 - 3:00 PM) CM | 2.0

• See how the importance of a site visit becomes evident as you examine the sites, discussed during the morning session, up close and personal. This short walking tour will provide the opportunity for you to see how the ideas put on paper become a reality. The walk will be within 1-2 blocks of the Naperville Municipal Center.

• After the walk, attendees will return to the Naperville Municipal Center and participate in a mock hearing. Topics will include typical items that occur during a public hearing and how best to handle the process. Commissioners will be asked to volunteer to read a script and play the parts, such as developer, attorney, engineer, architect, planner, neighbor. At several points, the audience will be asked to apply their knowledge from the morning session. We will discuss whether certain things could have been handled in a different manner so the commissioners will learn about best practices for conducting a hearing.

• 2 CM will be offered for planners that would like to attend.

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Learning Outcomes

1. Learn about the concepts and standards of planning.

2. Learn about the roles and responsibilities of a plan commissioner.

3. Learn about the roles and perspectives of others involved in the development approval process.

Trainers 

• Tom Farace, AICP, Village of Carol Stream

• Greg Jones, AICP Ancel Glink

• Megan Mack, Ancel Glink