Free webinar for your chairs, vice chairs, or aspiring chairs of plan commissions, zoning boards, etc. Commission members, staff and those outside of IL are welcome to join us!

In a world where zoning decisions shape cities, one chairperson can make all the difference ...

Serving as a Plan Commission or Zoning Board Chairperson requires many different roles, often all in the same meeting. Join us for an interactive "lunch and learn" Plan Commission & Zoning Chair Roundtable where three experienced P&Z chairs break down the core dimensions of the role and share practical strategies for effective leadership

Our panel will dive into key roles every chairperson must navigate:

• Leader – Setting the tone, guiding the commission's direction, and maintaining vision.
• Referee & Facilitator – Managing public hearing dynamics, ensuring fair process, and encouraging constructive deliberation.
• Educator – Helping commissioners, applicants, and the public understand procedure and planning principles.
• Recruiter – Building and retaining a strong, effective commission board.

Each topic will kick off with a brief 2-3 minute presentation by one of our featured chairs to set the stage, followed by deep-dive discussions on navigating leadership and conflict. We will conclude with a 10–15 minute live Q&A, featuring legal insights and guidance from Ancel Glink Attorney, Greg "The Legal Gladiator" Jones, AICP.

⭐ Our star-studded cast includes:

• R.C. McBride, Planning Commission Chair, Town of Normal
• Frank Parisi, Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals Chair, Village of Carol Stream
• Susan Rose, Zoning & Planning Commission Chair, City of Elmhurst

Show directors include:

• Tom "The Ringmaster" Farace, AICP, Village of Carol Stream
• Scott "The Mastermind" Hanson, AICP, Crawford, Murphy, Tilly (CMT)
• Greg "The Legal Gladiator" Jones, AICP, Partner, Ancel Glink

Date: August 27, 2026

Showtime: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST

Location: Online (Zoom)

Admission: FREE

Who should attend: Current chairs, vice chairs, and aspiring chairs of plan commissions, zoning boards, etc. Commission members and staff may also attend. Other states are welcome to join us too!

Recording: Live attendance is highly recommended. A recording will be provided but access will self-destruct after 30 days!

Professional Development Credits: 1 | CM

REGISTER HERE

Questions? Please contact the APA-IL Planning Officials Development Officer, Tom Farace, AICP at podo@ilapa.org

Upcoming Commissioner & Board Training

• Oct. 1, 2026 - All-day Plan Commissioner Training at the 2026 APA-IL State Conference. Just $75 for our 101 training, luncheon and a special afternoon of training where you can put your knowledge to the test! Registration opening soon. This is a good training for your commission or board, or, the new commissioner or board member that needs to get up to speed.

Want to know how we can customize training for your organization or officials?

Interested in hosting an evening training in your community? Visit our Plan Commissioner Training webpage for more information.