Every month, the APA-IL will turn the spotlight on members who are making an impact in Illinois urban planning and with the APA-IL. These members exemplify the APA-IL's determination to Make Great Communities for All in Illinois!
This month, we talk with...
Philip Green Planner, Village of Woodridge
Tell us a little about yourself.
Planner, Village of Woodridge, 2019 - Present.
Smart Home Expert, Best Buy, 2018-2019
Masters of Civic Design, University of Liverpool, 2016-2017
Sociology/ Politics Teacher- Various schools in England, 2014-2016
BA(Hons) Sociology, University of Liverpool, 2010-2013
What are some of your current or notable projects?
My Masters dissertation was on the Socio-Economic impacts of Brexit. As part of my research I worked closely with the European Union, even visiting Brussels. I also consulted with various members of government within the UK at local, national, and international levels, and at one point was invited to participate in a briefing with the then-US Ambassador to the UK, using my research to provide some context to the situation in the North of England.
At the Village of Woodridge I have so far worked on projects including establishing and marketing the Village's first ever Restaurant Week effort, which included a sell out "sample" event that attracted over 400 people to meet 14 of our local restaurants, and a website that I designed and created received over 10,000 visitors. I currently serve as the Chair and project lead for our Census Complete Count efforts, where I've established a "Census STEM Family Fun Day" featuring exhibitors and activities from partners including NASA, Argonne National Labs, local education providers and more to get out the count and excite and engage residents with STEM career pathways.
How have you been involved with the APA-IL?
Chair - Thursday Night Social Committee - 2020 Conference Steering Group
Member - APA-IL Membership Committee
What lessons have you learned in your career that have made you successful? Don't give up. I moved to the U.S with my wife the month after I graduated from my masters. I didn't know anybody involved in planning, my education was based on the UK system, and I was terrified I'd never get a job. I got on the internet, found some names and emails and started setting up some informational interviews over coffee. Through one of these, I found out about APA-IL and Chapter-Only membership. The networking and educational events put on by APA-IL were invaluable to me, and I attended as many as I could and got my first job within a year of being here.
I've heard young people who are still in school, or who are maybe fresh out of school and have all this anxiety that they'll never get a job, or that the market will move on without them. Maybe they struggled to take internships because of family or financial pressures. My advice is always the same, stay engaged and stay informed. APA-IL's Chapter-only membership is a great way to do that but so is taking that time to ask the advice of respected planners in the area.