On April 25, 2022, the Village of Channahon hosted “Citizen Planner Training” sponsored by APA-IL and DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute for Metropolitan Development. The training was co-presented by Jennifer Ganser, AICP, Village of Lombard and Mike Schwarz, AICP, Village of Frankfort. The session was well-attended by members of the Channahon Planning and Zoning Commission, Village staff, and the Village’s Corporation Counsel.
Participants reviewed best practices to avoid the legal and practical pitfalls often encountered in Planning and Zoning Commission meetings and public hearings. Presenters shared insight from their careers and discussed the role of the commissioners, rules of decorum, meeting procedures, supporting decisions with findings of fact standards, and the importance of making decisions based on the comprehensive plan. One participant remarked “It was a well-rounded overview of planning and zoning”. Others remarked that the most helpful topics covered were “the overview of the big picture”, “the intent of the commissioner” and “discussion of particular practices and best policies”.
Thanks to Michael Petrick and Karen James from Channahon's Community Development Department for arranging this training, and to the Village of Channahon for this opportunity to share this training with their citizen planners and staff!
Save-the-date for the 2022 APA-IL State Conference!
We're excited to be back in Chicago, IL at the Old Post Office, September 28-30, 2022 for our 2022 State Conference. This conference is our once-a-year opportunity for urban planners and allied professionals to learn about the latest trends in Illinois planning and network with their peers.
Each year we host our state conference, we offer the opportunity for plan commissioners to attend an all-day training. This year's all-day Plan Commissioner Training will be held on September 29th. This training is great for commissioners that have and have not been through our evening training. The training is split into a morning of general information, a networking lunch with fellow commissioners and trainers, an afternoon mock hearing to put your knowledge to the test, followed by an evening cocktail hour. Registration will be opening soon.
Want to know how we can customize training for your officials?
Visit the Plan Commissioner Training website and contact the APA-IL Planning Officials Development Officer, Michael Blue, FAICP at podo@ilapa.org
Photo credit: Michael Schwarz, AICP