APA-IL with DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute and CMAP have provided training to Plan Commissioners since 2011. The 71 st workshop was on July 25, 2017 for the Village of Lakemoor in their newly opened Village Hall/Police Department. Some commissioners from the City of McHenry also attended. We had presented a session in Lakemoor in 2014. Several members were recently appointed to the Plan Commission, so staff requested another workshop.
Since it was a small group, there was time for more in depth discussion than with a larger group. The commissioners and trainers discussed a wide range of issues ranging from how best to educate the public about the planning process; handling traffic impacts from development; regulating new sign technology, evaluating the proposed public benefit required for PUD approval; the difference a variance and a PUD exception, to “things I didn’t sign up for when I was appointed”.
“Great job, good info” | “I’m new and everything was helpful”
On their anonymous evaluation forms, the commissioners listed the most helpful topics as: “zoning approval, items not subject to review by the PZC, process and protocols.” Trainers were Michael Blue, FAICP and Laurie Marston, FAICP, with a strong assist from Andy Cross, AICP who will become the newest member of our faculty. Welcome aboard, Andy!
Join Us for Plan Commissioner Training at the 2017 APA-IL State Conference this September!
Join us for a full-day of Plan Commissioner Training, September 14, 2017, at the 2017 APA-IL State Conference! We're offering special rates for plan commissioners and officials, full conference (3 days): $200 / single day: $75.
The training that we offer at our state conference offers a deeper look into the roles and responsibilities of a plan commissioner, concepts and standards of planning, and the roles and perspectives of others involved in the development approval process. We'll divide the day into 3 parts:
Session 1: Panel Discussion with Planners and Attorneys: 9:00 - 11:30
Box Lunch with commissioners and trainers: 11:30 - 1:00
Session 2: Mock Hearing 1:00 to 3:30
All planning officials, boards, and commissions are welcome!