09/07/2026
A Specialized Commissioner Training Program at APAIL26
Register Now for the All-Day Plan Commissioner Training
October 1, 2026 | Hilton Orrington/Evanston
Whether you are a new commissioner mastering the basics or an experienced board member wanting to sharpen your knowledge, this single-day workshop on October 1, 2026 at the 2026 APA-IL State Conference delivers a practical, affordable, one-of-a-kind, testimonial-approved learning opportunity.
The session, led by planners and an attorney with years of experience serving commissions, will focus on essential elements including how to ensure appropriate findings of fact are prepared, using master plans and zoning ordinances as effective tools, and helpful tips for running meetings. Most importantly, with a one-day training, we will have time to dive into details and answer even more of your questions than in a typical 2.5-hour training.
Exclusive Sessions
- Participate in (or observe if you prefer) a mock public hearing that will be entertaining as well as educational about best practices you can apply at your next hearing.
- Commissioners will be able to walk with City of Evanston staff to see actual projects commissions and boards had on their agendas and learn about the nuances for each site.
- Network with fellow commissioners and board members at a lunch just for commissioners and use this unique opportunity to share tips with peers.
- Hear specific examples from experienced planners—a great introduction for new commissioners and a solid refresher for long-time members.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to apply what you learn!
Full-Day Value: Bonus Conference Access
Your registration grants you access to the broader APA-IL State Conference! In addition to the dedicated commissioner curriculum, attendees are invited to participate in general conference sessions before the training begins (8:00 AM) and after it concludes (3:00 PM), maximizing the learning of your day. You can view the full agenda here.
Why Attend?
For Planning Commissioners:
- Gain practical tools to navigate complex land use decisions with confidence.
- Participate in hands-on practice through an interactive mock hearing and downtown site tour.
- Connect with fellow commissioners and board members from across Illinois.
For Planning Directors & Municipal Staff:
- Invest in effective board governance and efficient, well-run public meetings.
- Mitigate legal risk by ensuring your board understands legal standards and duties.
- Build stronger staff-commission collaboration and alignment on local planning goals.
APA-IL and DePaul University’s Chaddick Institute have conducted over 200 trainings to strong reviews:
"The presenters were exceptional and the session ran so smoothly and efficiently. Couldn’t recommend this for commissioners enough. Thank you!!"
"All information was pertinent. Helps us understand the reasoning behind a fair amount of the procedures."
"This was such a great presentation, with the perfect balance of topics."
Program Schedule
| Time | Session | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| 8:00 AM – 9:00 AM | Early Bird Conference Session (Bonus) | Grab coffee, network, and kick off the day by attending an early morning general conference session (agenda here). |
| 9:00 AM – 11:30 AM | Commissioner Training 101 | Interactive instruction on land use fundamentals, legal standards, and board responsibilities. |
| 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM | Lunch Break | Connect and exchange ideas over lunch with peers and planning professionals. |
| 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM | Mock Public Hearing (Annual Exclusive) | Experience real-world board dynamics during an interactive mock hearing. |
| 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM | Mobile Workshop / Walking Tour (Annual Exclusive) | See projects with a guided walking tour highlighting 2-4 landmark development sites in downtown Evanston. |
| 3:00 PM – Onward | Afternoon Conference Sessions (Bonus) | Continue your professional development by joining remaining late-afternoon state conference breakout sessions. |
Featured Presenters
- Tom Farace, AICP – Planning & Economic Development Manager, Village of Carol Stream
- Greg Jones, AICP – Partner, Ancel Glink
- Staff from the City of Evanston
At just $75, this full-day workshop offers an unbeatable, high-impact value—delivering expert-led legal training, interactive hands-on practice, and full access to additional state conference sessions all for a fraction of the cost of typical professional seminars.
Need a staff member's approval before you can register? Forward this email or share this link!
Questions?
Don't hesitate to connect with us:
- 2026 Conference Chair: Kate Portillo, AICP
- 2026 Sponsorship Sales: Shelly Greenwood at CGi
- APA-IL Executive Director: Paula Freeze