The City of Elmhurst participated in a virtual APA-IL Plan Commissioner Training Session on February 23, 2021. This was the 116th training that the APA-IL has held. There were seven (7) attendees plus four (4) city staff. The training was led by Michael Blue, FAICP of Teska Associates with David Silverman, AICP of Ancel Glink.
The City’s Plan Commission had done the training several years ago, but with a few new commissioners, felt that a refresher session was worthwhile. The session focused on the mechanics and challenges of running a sound commission meeting: taking testimony, developing findings of fact, and working with those in attendance.
After the training, attendees were asked to evaluate the training through an online survey.
At the conclusion of the workshop, the attendees completed an anonymous evaluation form. They listed the following as the most helpful during the session:
Ex parte communication
Standards of review
Specific examples
Roles of all participants in the zoning and planning process
Defining the role of a Commissioner and the parameters of the decision-making process.
The experience of the presenters really helped bring this material to life.
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: Elmhurst City Hall, courtesy of the City of Elmhurst