Upcoming Events

2025 Fall Virtual Plan Commissioner Training

October 29, 2025
7:00PM - 9:00PM CST

virtual (Zoom)

All are welcome!

Zoning for our Future: Solar, Windfarms, EV, and Manufactured/Modular Homes

October 31, 2025
12:00PM - 1:30PM CST

virtual (Zoom)

Zoning for our Future: Solar, Windfarms, EV, and Manufactured/Modular Homes” is a forward-looking presentation that examines how modern zoning policies are evolving to support sustainability reforms, specifically solar and wind energy installations, electric vehicle infrastructure, and the integration of manufactured and modular housing. Attendees will learn about regulatory frameworks, best practices, and ordinance examples that support these uses and structures. The session provides practical strategies and technical guidance from zoning specialists that have worked across the country.

TODrinks! comes to La Grange! (Fall Edition)

November 6, 2025

Milk Money Brewing, 75 LaGrange Rd, La Grange, IL

Commissioner Training Faculty Annual Event and Thank You Breakfast

November 7, 2025
8:30AM - 10:00AM CST

Signs of the Times: Mastering Content-Neutral Ordinances

November 7, 2025
12:00PM - 1:30PM CST

virtual (Zoom)

With two US Supreme Court cases dealing with sign regulations since 2015, and lower court cases percolating across the country today, the importance of crafting content-neutral sign codes is essential for communities seeking to balance free expression, legal compliance, and effective local governance. We all know that local regulations cannot be based on a sign’s message, yet many communities still struggle with translating these legal requirements into clear, useful local ordinances. This interactive webinar will equip planners, zoning officials, and code enforcement with the knowledge and tools needed to develop and implement sign codes that are robust, enforceable, and fully compliant with First Amendment standards. Attendees will learn the core legal definitions and take away practical strategies for ensuring their sign regulations are as “content neutral” as possible on their face and in their application. Real-world examples will be explored, highlighting both pitfalls and best practices - from addressing political and directional signs to managing digital signs and murals. Speakers include planners, academics and industry experts who have worked on sign codes across the country. Attendees will also receive a copy of the Sign Research Foundation’s publication on Content-Neutral Sign Codes After Reed and Austin.

Accelerating Housing Supply: State Chapters Take the Lead

November 14, 2025
12:00PM - 1:30PM CST

virtual (Zoom)

In 2023 and 2024 APA partnered with NLC to form the National Housing Supply Accelerator, culminating in the release of the Housing Supply Accelerator Playbook. However, as planners we all know that a one size fits all approach often does not work in the real world. States and local governments all have their own histories, cultures, legal precedents, and politics that make them unique. As planners, we need to find unique solutions that will be most effective in the states and local places where we live and work. Since the completion of APA's national effort, some states have pursued their own state-focused housing supply efforts. Many have formed their own statewide housing supply accelerators. In this panel session we will hear from three states that are pursuing such efforts in North Carolina, Oklahoma and Michigan. Each of these efforts will offer opportunities and challenges that can be helpful to planners and advocates who want to see our housing supply crisis get addressed as soon as possible. Speakers from these three state chapters will share lessons learned from their efforts and provide key insights for those who are working to improve housing supply in their own state, region, or local community.

2026 Financial Forecast Forum: Private Sector Views that will Impact the Public Sector

January 8, 2026
8:00AM - 3:15PM CST

CM | 3

NIU Naperville,1120 E. Diehl Rd. Naperville, IL 60563

Do we need a plan? Selecting the right plan and what to expect from the process

February 19, 2026
9:00AM - 10:30AM CST

CM | 1.5

virtual (Zoom)

Great for non-planners!

2027 APA National Planning Conference

May 15 (8:00AM CST) - 18 (4:00PM CST), 2027

Houston, TX