Complete Story
 

07/22/2025

2025 FALL APA-IL Virtual Plan Commissioner Training - Open to All

Virtual Plan Commissioner Training - Fall 2025

The APA-IL's annual virtual Plan Commissioner Training is happening on October 29, 2025.

​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 discuss the big picture - what they do and the significance it has to the communities in which they live.

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

Dates, Location, and Time

  • October 29, 2025

  • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  • Virtual (Zoom).

Please note: a recording of this session will NOT be available to attendees. The APA-IL believes that the success of our Plan Commissioner Training is due in part to the live discussion and conversations that occur during the training. If your commissioners are not able to attend the general training on the 30th, we encourage you to email APA-IL's Planning Officials Development Officer Tom Farace, AICP at podo@ilapa.org and coordinate a training for your community.

Registration

  • Cost: $25/person

  • Groups of 4 or more $20/person - use coupon code FOFGRPDISC5 for each attendee registered

  • Discount: 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! Ask about our group membership for commissioners/board members.

  • Need help registering? Click here for a step-by-step guide.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


This session's curriculum includes:

  • Roles in the Development Process

  • Responsibilities of Commission Members

  • Basics of “Findings of Fact”

  • The Fine Print

  • Planning + Development 101

  • Tools of the Trade - master plans, zoning codes, etc.

  • Hot Topics

  • Resources for Commissioners

Who is this training for?

​All planning officials, boards, and commissions are welcome. This includes Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review Board, Historic Preservation, etc.

This training is a great refresher for your commissioners or to get a new commissioner up to speed. The trainers will welcome attendee questions but for an in-depth discussion or to have a training session focused on your community's issues, you can consider holding a training in your community. Contact Tom Farace, AICP at podo@ilapa.org to schedule a training.

Professional urban planners are welcome to attend this training (no CM will be offered).

Printer-Friendly Version