The Village of Frankfort hosted a Plan Commission Training workshop on June 5, 2019. The APA-IL and the Chaddick Institute at DePaul University have provided over 100 training sessions since the program began in 2011.
The Village opted for the format with a planner, Michael Blue, FAICP, and an attorney, Greg Jones, AICP. The session was attended by twelve people, including the Mayor, Village Board members, Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals members and the Assistant Director of Development Services. There were several newly elected board members that had previously served on the Village's Plan Commission.
Among the most helpful topics mentioned on the anonymous evaluation forms completed by attendees at the conclusion of the session were:
Hearing procedure
Application of standards
Legal decision making based on upholding zoning code
Comp plan in relation to zoning
Roles of Plan Commission and Village Board
Real life scenarios based on your experience; specific examples
Appreciate the focus on answering our questions
"The workshop was professional, well-led, covered appropriate material and tactful with respect to local issues; truly sets the standard and an example to follow." - feedback from Village Official
I have received nothing but positive feedback on the training session from everyone involved. - feedback from Village Staff
The format was informal, with discussions formed around the many good questions asked by those who attended. The group was very engaged and asked good, pointed, and open minded questions. Suggestions for future training were covering the historic district and best practices, such as meeting flow.
Thank you to the Village of Frankfort for inviting us to come and train your officials!
Plan Commissioner Training News & Notes:
Save-the-date for the 2019 APA-IL State Conference!
We're excited to be back in Evanston, IL at the Hilton Orrington, September 25-27, 2019 for our 2019 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 26th. 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 is now open! Plan commissioners are able to attend at discounted rates, just $75 for 1-day, $150 for 2 days, or attend all 3 days of the conference for only $200.
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
(photos by Michael Blue, FAICP)