06/22/2026
7/14 Choose Your Own Meeting Adventure: Productive Meetings & Navigating Conflict for Plan Commissioners
Public meetings can be unpredictable. One moment the meeting is running smoothly, and the next moment emotional public testimony about a development proposal or a disagreement among commissioners creates tension and conflict. How commissioners respond in these moments can influence the effectiveness of the meeting and public trust in the process.
Join the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-IL) for an interactive Choose Your Own Adventure® style webinar that puts commissioners in the driver’s seat for organizing a successful public meeting. Using a case study and interactive tools, attendees will learn how to properly prepare for meetings, manage meeting flow, and foster collaboration among commissioners, staff, applicants, and the public. Attendees will also explore techniques for maintaining professionalism, promoting respectful dialogue, and guiding meetings back on track when tensions rise, while understanding the legal aspects to help avoid invalidating decisions.
This webinar will provide valuable tools for both new and seasoned members of a Plan Commission, Zoning Board of Appeals, etc. Professional urban planners are also welcome to attend this training (no CM will be offered).
Our Calm & Collected Crew of Presenters
- Emily Calderon, AICP, Moran Economic Development
- Tom Farace, AICP, Village of Carol Stream & APA-IL Planning Officials Development Officer
- Jake Seid, AICP, Sightline Planning & Zoning
- David Silverman, FAICP, Ancel Glink
Date: July 14, 2026
Time: 6:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Registration:
- Cost: $25/person
- Groups of 4 or more $20/person - use coupon code FOFGRPDISC5 for each attendee registered. If you are registering for a group, you will create an account first and then register the attendees.
- Individual Discount: Individual APA-IL Members attending the training get 10% off! Email Paula Freeze at admin@ilapa.org for the coupon code. Click here to become an Illinois Chapter-Only member for just $50/year. Commissioners & board members can be APA-IL members too!