Once again the APA-IL’s extremely popular day-long Plan Commissioner Training is back on September 26th. All commissioners, of any board or commission, are welcome to sit back and look at the big picture of what they do and the significance it has in their communities. Trainers Michael Blue, FAICP and Laurie Marston, FAICP will run attendees through the “Planning 101” gauntlet before an enjoyable networking lunch. After lunch, all attendees have a chance to gain 2.5 CM credits and a new perspective during the Plan Commissioner Mock Hearing. Do you ever want to know what it’s like to be “on the other side” of your local plan commission or ZBA? Maybe you’d have fun role-playing as a “concerned” resident, or seeing what it feels like to serve on a commission? Join in to have some fun and soak up important knowledge from our trainers and the lawyers from Ancel Glink: David Silverman, AICP and Greg Jones, AICP.
Planners, this is the perfect opportunity to get inexpensive, interactive, 5-star training for your plan commission, ZBA, or staff. There is no other training available in Illinois that offers informative, useful, accessible, and affordable training for both new and long-time commissioners. Commissioners are offered a discounted rate of $75 single day or $200 for the full conference.
Wait! There's more!
Our state conferences offer other valuable opportunities for commissioners...
Commissioners can attend the full APA-IL State Conference for the reduced rate of $200. Attend Plan Commissioner Training on Thursday then learn and network on Wednesday and Friday. We've got lots to offer:
Wednesday, September 25th: Farmhouse Lunch (CM | .5) - Enjoy a plated 3 course farm lunch with Farmhouse Evanston owner TJ Callahan. Learn about Brown Dog Farm, sustainable farm-to-table operations, and the importance of this model in the future of food and beverage ops.
Thursday, September 26th: Erin Aleman Meet & Greet - Have you heard the news? Erin Aleman is the new Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) Executive Director! Come to Rock 'N Ravioli for a chance to say "congrats"!
Wednesday, September 25th: Awards Reception and Exhibitor Meet & Greet - This complimentary event is open to all attendees. Immediately following our annual Awards Program, mingle with award winners and exhibitors. This reception joins you and other attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors while you enjoy complimentary appetizers and a cash bar.
Thursday Night Social Event: Flappers and Gangsters Welcome! - Join us 9/26 for a prohibition-era themed party at Evanston Rocks’ “Speakeasy Room”. We'll kick off the night with Planner Trivia then kick back, catch up with colleagues, & enjoy delicious, plentiful fare. Live jazz starts at 8:30 pm, and planners are welcome to stay and enjoy. Tickets are limited so don't wait to add this on to your registration!
Wednesday, September 25th: Planning for Affordable and Supportive Housing. Chicago’s northern suburbs have some of the most expensive housing in Illinois, making it ever more important to plan for affordable and supportive housing. Come learn about housing facts and myths, the unique demands of affordable housing in the suburbs, and supportive housing models. The workshop will head to housing developments in Evanston, Highland Park, Glenview and/or Arlington Heights.
Friday, September 27th: Gateways to Nature. This mobile workshop [and outdoor adventure] includes a hike and paddle to learn first-hand about the implementation of the Gateway Master Plan for Skokie Lagoons. Learn from the Forest Preserves of Cook County about leveraging the power of partnerships for implementing a new boathouse, nature plan area, and birding tour!
This year, we're offering a total of 10 mobile workshops. This is a great opportunity to get out into a community, see what developments look like, and hear how it all happened.
For more information, please visit the APAIL19 conference pages for mobile workshops, Evening Events, and lunch opportunities.
Program Highlights
Here's a sample of our Friday's sessions:
Friday may be the last day of the conference but it is certainly not the least. New for 2019 - it's also a whole day! Beginning with a Fun Run and ending with Happy Hour, there are 14 sessions and 3 mobile workshops to choose from in between! Here’s just a few…
Calling all marathoners, couch potatoes, and wannabes... Start your day with a casual 5K! Meet in the Hotel Lobby at 6:50 am for a run along Northwestern University's campus and the Lakefront. Check out recent bike infrastructure, University development, and public plaza improvements before returning to Downtown Evanston. Note: the event is not competitive or timed and all running / jogging / walking paces are welcome :) Be sure to bring your water wings… as you dive in to Reclaiming Waterfronts. Attend this session to learn all about waterfront development. Hear about case studies in urban areas that have improved quality of life and enhanced recreational opportunities. Come for the planning activity, stay to learn about… Envisioning Safer Streets Through an Equity Lens! Hear from planners working on Chicago’s Vision Zero efforts about how the initiative engages the community to think about street design and a comprehensive approach to public health.
Reminders:
Call-4-Sponsors. We couldn’t put on an annual conference for hundreds of attendees if it wasn’t for our sponsors! Help support APA-IL by becoming a sponsor today
Book your hotel room. Grab your spot at the Orrington before the APA-IL rates end (9/3). The special rates are available Tuesday-Friday! Don’t wait to reserve--rooms are limited.