Serving as a Plan Commission or Zoning Board Chairperson requires wearing many different hats, 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 chairs will dive into key roles every chair 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 Jones, AICP.

Panelists include:

• 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

Training Faculty will include:

• Tom Farace, AICP, Village of Carol Stream
• Scott Hanson, AICP, Crawford, Murphy, Tilly (CMT)
• Greg Jones, AICP, Partner, Ancel Glink

Date:  August 27, 2026

Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM CST

Location: Online (Zoom)

Cost: $25

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 strongly encouraged. Live attendees will have access to the recording for 1 month only. The recording will not be sold separately after the event.

Professional Development Credits: 1 | CM

REGISTER HERE

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

Photo courtesy of the Village of Carol Stream, IL