06/15/2026

Timely Topic! June 23: AI's Useful Applications in Local Government & Planning--FREE

Unlocking Intelligence – A Discussion of Useful Applications of AI For Local Government, Public Agencies & Planners 

The Chaddick Institute with the APA-IL Chicago Metro Section

FREE | Tuesday, June 23, 2026
Light Lunch & Networking: 12:15 pm CT , Program: 1 – 3 pm CT

Location: DePaul University, Chaddick Institute, DePaul Loop Campus, 14 E. Jackson, Suite 1600, Chicago, IL

Artificial Intelligence is becoming ubiquitous in the workplace. Many questions surround how we adapt to or embrace the use of AI tools for local government, public agencies, planning and transportation, while maintaining a human connection and understanding of its applications. It’s a fast-evolving and challenging environment.  

In this very timely discussion, our expert panel will present several examples of AI applications along with a discussion of the decisions and challenges faced when designing and implementing with human elements in mind. We'll discuss plans being made for a regional AI collaboration with CMAP.  

CLICK HERE TO RSVP 

Email questions to chaddick@depaul.edu

Program and Panelists

All presentations are in-person except Julio Carrillo, who will attend virtually.

Julio Carrillo, AICP, University of Texas, Austin and Parkhill Consulting

Julio is a LEED Fellow and a Senior Planner at Parkhill and a Lecturer in “AI for Planners” at The University of Texas at Austin. Julio will explore how planners can begin shaping their own data-informed solutions using AI that align with local priorities, equity, and implementation needs. He'll highlight the Planning Dashboard and Planning Challenge developed through APA Texas, designed to track and evaluate plan outcomes and built to be replicated by other APA chapters, and discuss the forthcoming online AI literacy certificate with anticipated eligibility for AICP CM credit.​

KiSeok Jeon, VP, Director of Digital Transformation, STV

Through case studies, including IDOT, KiSeok will demonstrate how AI is merging major infrastructure programs into lifecycle programs, providing major benefits for planning, project prioritization, and long-term maintenance. He'll discuss a lifecycle data strategy that turns project information into long-term operational intelligence.

LeAnne Wagner, SPARK Center Director, DePaul University School of Design

SPARK is DePaul’s new Technology Center, Driving Innovation with DePaul and connecting with the Chicago community. LeAnne will discuss the development and use of their Scenario Builder tool and will present on their work on a digital platform on the city’s south side. 

Craig Hamill, Chief Data Officer, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP)

Craig is an important and recent addition to the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning team and will provide an overview of his new role, thoughts on AI in the Chicago region, and discuss the collaborative relationship between CMAP and the Chaddick Institute.

Moderator: Phil Hanegraaf, FAICP. Senior Fellow, Chaddick Institute

Senior Fellow Phil has extensive career experience in improving communities through thoughtful planning. His pioneering work has won state and national awards for regional land use and transportation plans. He has led multidisciplinary teams to deliver analyses of transit alternatives, New Starts projects, project development, major investment studies for roadways and highways, regional and community plans, complex master planning, and project financing.