Over the past three years the APA-IL Executive Committee has been in a process of reviewing and rewriting our Chapter Bylaws. This is the first comprehensive review of the bylaws. This document contains the rules and guidelines that form the foundation of our organization and direct its governance and management. Our Executive Committee has debated and discussed the structure and function of the chapter at length to ensure that the greatest value is being brought to members through an efficient and well-organized entity. Today, we are asking you, our members, to ratify these revised bylaws after careful review of the proposed changes. Below is a summary of the major changes.
All members (national and chapter-only) have received an email with this material and links to access the draft language and ballot. Sincerely,
Terry J. Blakeman, President American Planning Association – Illinois Chapter
Summary of Changes
Creation of a nine-member Board of Directors that is directly elected by membership instead of appointed. This ensures that the fiscal accountability and all final decisions regarding liability, expenditures, and appropriations of APA-IL rest with an elected body.
The full membership will elect seven officers to the Board of Directors: President-Elect, Secretary, Treasurer, Professional Development Officer, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Officer, and an At-Large Officer.
Section members will elect the Illinois State Section Director and Chicago Metro Section Director who will also serve on the Board of Directors
Creation of a broader Executive Committee that consists of the elected officers, appointed committee chairs, student representatives from our Planning Accredited Board designated institutions, and faculty representatives from those schools. This body is designed to provide guidance and input to the Board of Directors on governance and programmatic matters.
Inclusion of the new Chapter Only Membership level including the role of those members in the organization.
Renaming of the Diversity Committee to the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee.
DOWNLOAD THE PROPOSED BYLAWS
If the APA-IL membership votes to approve the proposed Bylaws, the new Bylaws will take effect January 1, 2020. The APA-IL board asks for your consideration on this matter before 5:00 pm, Wednesday, October 9, 2019. If you have any questions or comments, please do not hesitate to contact T.J. Blakeman, AICP, APA-IL President. Members of the APA-IL Executive Committee will also be available at the 2019 State Conference to answer your questions.