The purpose of the Illinois Chapter of American Planning Associa-tion is to improve the quality and credibility of Illinois Planning, serving planners by:

• Advancing the cause of planning in Illinois, • Enhancing planning skills and tools, • Building mutual support for Illinois planners, • Enhancing communication among planners, • Enhancing communication with affiliated organizations, and • Being a liaison between National APA and Chapter members

MESSAGE FROM KAREN STONEHOUSE, AICP, ILAPA PRESIDENT Greetings! Please enjoy this 2006 Year in Review, an annual publication of the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association. I hope that you will take the time to become more familiar with the ILAPA and all that planners have to offer the State of Illinois. As with our national organization, the American Planning Association, ILAPA is enthusiastic about advancing the cause of good planning through APA’s Smart Growth initiative. We also are committed to serving as a resource to our State legislature, other organizations, and anyone in-terested in “Making Great Communities Happen”. Please feel free to contact me or any members of the ILAPA Board for fur-ther information. You can also find further information by visiting our website: www.ilapa.org. Sincerely, Karen L. Stonehouse ILAPA President

“WE ARE COMMITTED TO SERVING AS A RESOURCE TO OUR STATE LEGISLA-TURE, OTHER ORGANIZATIONS, AND ANYONE INTERESTED IN “MAKING

GREAT COMMUNITIES HAPPEN”.

PRO BONO COMMITTEE The mission of the Pro-Bono Planning Service Program is to provide planning services on a pro-bono basis by the ILAPA membership, to assist eligible non-profit organizations, community groups, service agencies and governmental units in the initiation, organizing and fine tuning of early stage planning projects. The program is not intended to compete with private sector planning services which may be needed to perform and com-plete any of a full range of planning activities. The ILAPA’s Pro Bono Program was established to benefit both the communities/organizations we serve and to provide an outlet for creative community service activities of our membership. The program is the only one of its kind among APA Chapters and Sections in the country. It has been recognized as highly successful by the national organization, and the ILAPA was provided a grant from National APA organization to pre-pare a video about the program which is now used in training other chapters in how to conduct similar ac-tivities.

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2006 Membership

2006 Types of Membership

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FSTU = Free Student

STU = Student

PBM = Planning Board Member

OTHR = Other

MEM = Regular Member

*Other = Non-members, Staff, Retired, Life, New Professional

OUR 2006 MEMBERSHIP

At over 1500 members, the Illinois Chapter is one of the largest chapters in the American Planning Associa-tion. Membership in 2006 has steadily risen while the types of membership have remained relatively consis-tent.

MESSAGE FROM BRUCE KNIGHT, FAICP, APA REGION IV DIRECTOR

2006 was a very good year for APA. Like any good planning organization, this started by implementing the organizations “plan.” The Development Plan is essentially APA’s strategic plan for a two year pe-riod. It is updated under the direction of the Presi-dent-Elect of APA and implemented over that presi-dent’s two year term in office. 2006 marked the sec-ond year of implementing the plan formulated with APA President Dave Siegel. This has been an excit-ing period for APA and for the advancement of our profession. Following are a few of what I think are the most exciting changes for APA:

Goal one of the de-velopment plan is to “tell the planning story and advocate for good plan-ning.” This has oc-curred in several ways this year: APA developed its first Communications Plan, offered train-ing to our members in how to communi-cate with the media, and developed a Planners Com-munications Guide. This guide is available to all our members on the APA web site. This highly useful tool can help all of us do a better job of telling our appointed and elected officials and residents of our communities why planning is important and the dif-ference it can make and I encourage you to use it.

APA also initiated the first National Community Planning Month in October. On the APA web site, there are example proclamations, public service ad-vertisements and other suggestions for ways to use this opportunity to improve the visibility of planning in your community. Check it out and help tell the planning story in your community next October.

On the Legislative and Policy front, APA established its Property Fairness Campaign as a proactive step

towards communicating the value that local plan-ning tools provide and the need for local control of these. Much dialogue continues across the country over eminent domain and takings legislation and APA needs to be a positive voice in this dialogue.

Another major initiative this year was APA’s Growth Plan. For years our organization has been stagnant with respect to growing its membership. It was de-termined that to successfully advocate for planning and planners, APA needed to become the “big tent” for all those interested in the profession and the out-

comes planners achieve for their com-munities. The Growth Plan identified a num-ber of target markets and began developing specific strategies to attract greater num-bers from each of those markets. They included appointed and elected officials, minorities, students and academic plan-

ners. As a result of this effort, APA has grown from 30,000 just a few years ago to a new high of 41,000.

We are also working to establish APA as the premier authority of planning information in both the Nation and the World. APA has initiated a branding project to ensure that all of our products are immediately recognizable as having come from the American Planning Association; all of APA’s products and ser-vices have been reworked and raised in quality across the board; and APA played an instrumental role in establishing the Global Planners Net-work. APA has an excellent staff lead by Executive Director Paul Farmer. Paul and his staff have sought to make our products and services the best avail-able. If you have thoughts on how to continue to im-prove APA please send me an email at bruce.knight@ci.champaign.il.us.

Village of Libertyville Comprehensive Plan won the 2006 ILAPA Silver Award in a Plan Category. A thoughtful comprehensive plan

that truly embraced resident insights to guide the long-range future of the Liberty-

ville community.

“WE ARE ALSO WORKING TO ESTABLISH APA AS THE PREMIER AUTHORITY OF

PLANNING INFORMATION IN BOTH THE NATION AND

THE WORLD. ”

2006 DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD

in honor of: SAM SANTELL

In honor of a passionate advocate for sensible growth, and for planning with both tenacity and integrity. Sam made a difference by bringing people together to talk and collaborate. He made a true difference in Illinois.

In October, the 2006 Upper Midwest Four State conference was held in St. Charles, Illinois at the Pheasant Run Resort and Spa and attracted nearly 400 planners, students, public officials and others. The conference featured 18 sponsors and exhibitors whose generous contributions made the confer-ence a financial success for the Illinois Chapter as well. The conference program featured over 30 conference sessions, 3 mobile workshops, several keynote speakers, and a wonder-ful opening reception at the historic Hotel Baker in down-town St. Charles, Illinois. Throughout the conference, surveys were collected and nearly 80% of you felt that the conference sessions were in-formative and timely for today’s planning issues. In particu-lar, many individuals responded that the Effective Commu-nication with the Media session given by National APA was the most beneficial to them. This workshop focused on the APA Communications Plan and offered tech-niques for interviewing with the media in a way that allows you to control the interview and get your mes-sage across. Also very well received was the Thursday keynote address by Roger Waldon. Roger offered in-sightful highlights of his new book “Politics in Planning” which is now available through the APA Press. The

book follows the career paths of several different planners across the country and illustrates what motivated them to become planners and the lessons they have learned in their positions. Many other positive comments were given for the sessions that related to downtown redevelopment, zoning law and planning technology tools. This conference replaced the Illinois Chapter State confer-ence for this 2006. Although the conference was a “Four State” conference in joint cooperation with Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin, most of the attendees were from Illinois. Less than 30 attendees were from Minnesota, Wisconsin and Iowa combined, this conference demonstrated what is possi-ble for the Illinois Chapter State conference every year.

2006 ILAPA Gold Award Winner: Local Initiatives Support Corporation/Chicago

IN APPRECIATION A plaque was presented to BRUCE KNIGHT, FAICP In recognition of his leadership role with the Illinois

Chapter of the American Planning Association, and his endless energy and focus to meet new challenges,

achieve positive outcomes, and tell the planning story.

IN APPRECIATION A plaque was presented to SHAWN CHRIST, AICP In appreciation of his tireless efforts to establish and

maintain the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association web site. The Illinois Chapter is a stronger Chapter because of his attentiveness and commitment

to excellence.

IN APPRECIATION This plaque is presented to ROBERT AHLBERG, AICP

In appreciation of years of dedicated service to the Illinois Chapter of the American Planning Association.

Always searching for better ways to advance the cause of planning, meet the needs of planners, and bring a sense of humanity to all the Chapter does.

Presentation of the Distinguished Service Award

HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE 2006 FOUR-STATE CONFERENCE

2006 SILVER AWARDS- Plan Category

THE VILLAGE OF LIBERTYVILLE for its:

COMPREHENSIVE PLAN In recognition of a thoughtful comprehensive plan that

truly embraces resident insights to guide the long-range future of the Libertyville community .

2006 SILVER AWARDS

Implementation of a Plan Category

THE CITY OF CHICAGO for the:

LOGAN SQUARE OPEN SPACE PLAN In recognition of an impressive, collaborative commu-nity effort to find, design, and create new public open

spaces in a built-out urban neighborhood.

KANE COUNTY for its:

KANE COUNTY FARMLAND PROTECTION PRO-GRAM

In recognition of a model program that is preserving the agricultural land of Kane County, and balancing

community growth and resource protection.

2006 SILVER AWARDS Special Community Initiative Category

THE VILLAGE OF ALGONQUIN

for the: ALGONQUIN PUBLIC ART PROGRAM

In recognition of an innovative program that is foster-ing community creativity by bringing the world of pub-

lic art to the Village of Algonquin.

2006 GOLD AWARDS—Plan Category

LOCAL INITIATIVES SUPPORT CORPORATION/CHICAGO

for its: CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD PLANS

In recognition of a set of creative, participatory plans that directly address residents’ issues in ten Chicago

neighborhoods.

THE NORTHEASTERN ILLINOIS PLANNING COMMISSION

for its: 2040 REGIONAL FRAMEWORK PLAN

In recognition of a giant plan that is based on ground-breaking public participation techniques, skillful illustration of the region’s issues, and tai-

lored strategies for the long-term future. This plan will shape the future of Northeastern Illinois.

THE CITY OF URBANA

for its: COMPREHENSIVE PLAN

In recognition of a comprehensive plan that effec-tively coordinates future growth and revitalization with the enhancement of established neighbor-

hoods.

Presentation to the City of Urbana

Presentation to the Village of Algonquin

To see more photos, check out the slideshow at: http://www.ilapa.org/conf/06/2006conf_photo.html

Photos by: Jeff Engstrom

LEGISLATIVE COMMITTEE YEAR IN REIVEW By Sharon Caddigan, AICP, Legislative Chair The purpose of the Legislative Committee is to keep abreast of legislation that has an impact on planning and the planning profession. The Committee pro-vides assistance to the Executive Committee, and the membership as a whole, to ensure that ILAPA’s voice is heard in our local communities, the State and in Washington. Last year, through the ILAPA newsletter, the Legislative Committee continued to provide alerts to members on pertinent legislation impacting Illinois Planning. The 94th Illinois General Assembly looked at a num-ber of planning initiatives in 2006. While SB 3086 (“Eminent Domain Bill”), which was strongly op-posed by ILAPA, was signed by the governor, other bills supported by ILAPA, such as SB 94 and SB 2290 also received the signature of the Governor. Here’s a sampling of what happened in Springfield in 2006: HB 4147 – Central Illinois Economic Development Authority: This bill created the Central Illinois Eco-

nomic Development Authority for Macon, Sangamon, Menard, Logan, Christian, Bond, DeWitt and Mont-gomery Counties, to help promote economic develop-ment in those areas. This was supported by ILAPA and it passed both houses of the Assembly. This bill was signed by the Governor as Public Act 94-0995. SB 94 – Zoning Decisions: This bill amended the Illi-nois Municipal Code and effectively reverses the Illi-nois Supreme Court’s assertion, in the Klaeren deci-sion, which stated zoning actions were administra-tive. This bill was strongly supported by ILAPA. It passed the Senate; it was modified in the House and sent back to the Senate for concurrence and was signed by the Governor as Public Act 94-1027. SB 2290 – Illinois Comprehensive Housing Planning Act: This bill called for state departments to work with the Illinois Housing Development Authority and municipalities to make sure state and local plans and dollars are efficiently connected to spur the preserva-tion and creation of affordable, workforce housing. This bill was supported by ILAPA. It passed both

(Continued on page 9)

Chicago's Logan Square Community area had a desperate need for open space. The City's answer was to incorporate a large amount of community input into a plan detailing the creative use of transportation corridors. This plan won the ILAPA 2006 Silver Award.

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2006 ILLINOIS’ OUTSTANDING STUDENT Congratulations to 46 students selected as AICP's outstanding students for 2006 - including Sarah Klipfel Wiebenson, a graduate student from the University of Illinois at Chicago.

Christine Babla, AICP Lynette Bowden, AICP Matthew Fitzgibbon, AICP Kjirsten Frank, AICP Douglas Hammel, AICP Elizabeth Kinsinger, AICP Jennifer Maisch, AICP Patricia McElroy, AICP Jennifer McNeil, AICP Matthew O'Rourke, AICP Brian Radner, AICP Michelle Ryan, AICP Jill Scheidt, AICP

Anthony Smith, AICP Michael Stiehl, AICP Jane Turley, AICP Elizabeth Zeller, AICP Jill Ziegler, AICP Christina Anderson, AICP Latika Bhide, AICP Gina Caruso, AICP Emily Dannenberg, AICP Michael Ferencak, AICP Heather Gleason, AICP Jonathan Grosshans, AICP Joshua Huntington, AICP

Michelle Keasler, AICP Michelle Kulikowski, AICP Christopher Mathias, AICP Teresa Norfleet, AICP Priyadarsini Ramakrishnan, AICP Timothy Scott, AICP Timothy Selover, AICP Jamie Simone, AICP John Svalenka, AICP Heather Tabbert, AICP Sean Wiedel, AICP Karen Zilly, AICP Antonina Zozulya, AICP

2006 NEW AICP ILLINOIS CHAPTER MEMBERS

CONGRATULATIONS TO THE 2006 ILLINOIS’ FAICP INDUCTEES Illinois Chapter members Lee Brown, AICP and Paul Farmer, AICP, were inducted into the “AICP College of Fellows” in San Antonio on April 22, 2006.

houses of the Assembly. This bill was signed by the Governor as Public Act 94-0965. SB 2885 – Locations Matter Bill: This bill pro-vided incentives for employers to consider and invest in housing options for the local workforce. This effort represents just one example of how the Comprehensive Housing Planning Act would align state spending. This bill was supported by ILAPA. It passed both houses of the Assembly. It was signed by the Governor as Public Act 94-0966. SB 3086 - Eminent Domain Bill: This bill was passed by the Senate on March 2, 2006 and sent to the House. There it was gutted and replaced with two amendments, which effectively re-wrote emi-nent domain law in Illinois. The big picture of the bill is to change (through a rewrite and added lan-guage). It should be noted that in two areas the existing 2006 eminent domain law will still apply: the O’Hare Modernization Act and any existing Tax Act Increment Allocation Redevelopment

(Continued from page 8) Plans adopted prior to April 15, 2006. This bill was strongly opposed by ILAPA. It was signed by the as Public Act 94-1055. ILAPA contends that changes to the State’s eminent domain legislation were unnecessary. In 2007 the Legislative Committee will continue to write articles for the newsletter; create opportunity for distri-bution of “Legislative Alerts” and draft letters in sup-port or opposition to legislation to assist membership in contacting local, state and federal representatives; pro-vide additional resources to members. The Committee will also continue to provide comment on APA Policy Guides, when requested by APA National. The Legislative Committee encourages all members to keep abreast of legislation important to planning. Good references are Illinois Municipal League (www.iml.org); Metropolitan Planning Council (www.metroplanning.org) and the State Legislature website (www.legis.state.il.us).

LEGISLATIVE—continued

2006 CHAPTER EXECUTIVE BOARD President Mark Koplin, AICP Vice-President Karen Stonehouse, AICP Secretary Kate Lockerby Treasurer April Getchius, AICP Past President Michael Blue, AICP Chapter Administrator John H. Paige, AICP Legislative Committee Chair Sharon Caddigan, AICP Professional Development Officer Roseann O'Laughlin, AICP Planning Officials Development Officer Hubert Morgan Pro Bono Officer Grace Bazylewski Editor & Webmaster Paula Freeze

2006 CHICAGO METRO SECTION

2006 ILLIONIS STATE SECTION

President Michael Mays, AICP Vice-President Anne E. Kane, AICP Secretary Allison Laff, AICP Treasurer Vijay S. Gadde, AICP Past President Kon Savoy, AICP

Director Rob Kowalski, AICP Assistant Director Lisa Reime, AICP Treasurer Philip Dick, AICP Secretary Kimberly Smith, AICP Past Officer Kathy Miller Training Coordinator Wayne M. Dust, AICP

The Algonquin Village Hall is one of the locations where artwork is displayed as part of the village's public art program. The Algonquin Art Program won the 2006 Silver Award for Special Community Ini-tiative

2006 ILAPA NEWSLETTER SPONSORS