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03/02/2026

4/8/26 SPRING Virtual Plan Commissioner Training - Open to All

4-8-26 spring virtual plan commissioner training

The APA-IL's virtual Plan Commissioner Training is happening on April 8, 2026. If that sounds familiar, that's because it is! The Illinois Chapter has been holding this virtual training in the spring and fall the last couple of years.

Plan commissioners and board members dedicate significant time and effort reading packets, reviewing cases, holding public hearings, and considering policies. Yet, they rarely have the opportunity to step back and reflect on the bigger picture: the impact their work has on their community.

Because most commissioners and board members are not professionals in planning or development, they can benefit from additional training to strengthen their understanding of the profession. Even experienced commissioners and board members value the chance to learn what’s new in planning and exchange ideas.

This training helps commissioners and board members understand the basics of planning and explores how their decisions shape their communities.

Dates, Location, and Time

  • April 8, 2026

  • 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm

  • Virtual (Zoom).

Please note: a recording of this session will NOT be available to attendees. The APA-IL believes that the success of our Plan Commissioner Training is due in part to the live discussion and conversations that occur during the training. If your commissioners are not able to attend this training, we encourage you to email APA-IL's Planning Officials Development Officer Tom Farace, AICP at podo@ilapa.org and coordinate a training for your community.

Registration

  • Cost: $25/person

  • Groups of 4 or more $20/person - use coupon code FOFGRPDISC5 for each attendee registered. If you are registering for a group, you will create an account first then register the attendees.

  • Individual Discount: Individual APA-IL Members attending the training get 10% off! Email Paula Freeze at admin@ilapa.org for the coupon code. Click here to become an Illinois Chapter-Only member for just $50/year. Commissioners & board members can be APA-IL members too!

  • Need help registering? Click here for a step-by-step guide.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER


This session's curriculum includes:

  • Roles in the Development Process

  • Responsibilities of Commission Members

  • Basics of “Findings of Fact”

  • The Fine Print

  • Planning + Development 101

  • Tools of the Trade - master plans, zoning codes, etc.

  • Hot Topics

  • Resources for Commissioners

Who is this training for?

​All planning officials, boards, and commissions are welcome. This includes Zoning Board of Appeals, Design Review Board, Historic Preservation, etc.

This training is a great refresher for your commissioners or to get a new commissioner up to speed. The trainers will welcome attendee questions but for an in-depth discussion or to have a training session focused on your community's issues, you can consider holding a training in your community. Contact Tom Farace, AICP at podo@ilapa.org to schedule a training.

Professional urban planners are welcome to attend this training (no CM will be offered).

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