Once again the APA-IL’s popular day-long Plan Commissioner Training is back on September 26, 2024. All commissioners, of any board or commission, are welcome to sit back and look at the big picture of what they do and the significance it has in their communities. APA-IL's trainers will run attendees through the “Planning 101” presentation before an enjoyable networking lunch (lunch included with registration). After lunch, attendees put their skills to practice and gain a new perspective during a site plan review, tour, and Plan Commissioner Mock Hearing. Do you ever want to know what it’s like to be “on the other side” of your local plan commission or ZBA? Maybe you’d have fun role-playing as a “concerned” resident, or seeing what it feels like to serve on a commission. Join in to have some fun and soak up important knowledge from our trainers and attorneys.

Planners, this is the perfect opportunity to get inexpensive, interactive, 5-star training for your plan commission, ZBA, or staff. There is no other training available in Illinois that offers informative, useful, accessible, and affordable training for both new and long-time commissioners. Commissioners are offered a discounted rate of $75 single day or $200 for the full conference. Lunch is included.

To register for Plan Commissioner Training, please click here.

A sample of our mock hearing can be viewed via the YouTube video below!

Our state conferences offer other valuable opportunities for commissioners...

Commissioners can attend all 3 days of the APA-IL State Conference in beautiful Champaign-Urbana for the reduced rate of $200. Attend Plan Commissioner Training on Thursday then learn and network on Wednesday and Friday. We've got lots to offer.

Evening Events

• Wednesday, September 25th: Awards Reception and Ceremony - This complimentary event is open to all attendees. Immediately following our annual Awards Program, mingle with award winners and exhibitors. This reception joins you and other attendees, sponsors, and exhibitors.

• Thursday Night Social Event: Planning Themed Murder Mystery Dinner! - Have you ever gotten out of a public hearing and just felt like death? How about delivering a presentation that really killed? This catered event will bring together Illinois’ best in an attempt to solve a murder most foul. Dinner will be included. Tickets are limited so don't wait to add this to your registration!

Mobile Workshops

Whether by bus, bike, or foot, we're going to get you up and moving through the community!

• Reimagining Neil Street Plaza - The Heart of Downtown

• Campustown Streetscape/ Stormwater Walking Tour

• More Than Just A Pond and Pipes-Creating Beautiful Community-Focused Places with Stormwater Projects

• Realizing Missing Middle Housing Through Incremental Zoning Reforms

• Hidden Infrastructure: The Future of Artificial Intelligence and Waste

• The Making of Jefferson Parkway

• Restoration + Recreation: Finding Balance at the Buffalo Trace Natural Area

• Walking Tour of UIUC South Campus

• Public Art & Placemaking in Downtown Urbana

• Senior Housing on the Prairie

• Riding on Sunshine - MTD Hydrogen Bus Ride & Facility Tour

This year, we're offering a total of 11 mobile workshops. This is a great opportunity to get out into a community, see what developments look like, and hear how it all happened.

For more information, please click here the conference program.