Why "Connected Through Planning"?
Imagine a thread that runs through everything in our communities. That's planning. Planning reaches out to touch housing, transportation, health, sustainability, economic development, equity, and more, quietly linking systems and people together. This theme celebrates how planning is the constant connector, tying ideas to places and people to partners, to create stronger, more resilient communities.
2026 APA-IL State Conference
#APAIL26
Sept. 30 - Oct. 2, 2026
Hilton Orrington/Evanston
1710 Orrington Ave
Evanston, IL 60201
Each year, the APA-IL State Conference showcases the best in urban planning across Illinois. The 2026 conference was no exception. The APA-IL hosted great educational sessions, unique mobile workshops, and fun social events over the three days.
The APA-IL thanks the 2026 Conference Chair, Kate Portillo, AICP for creating a beautiful conference.
2026 Conference Committee
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Conference Chair: Kate Portillo, AICP
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Awards Program: Lily Wilcock, AICP
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Programming Committee: Paul Zalmezak (Chair), Claudia Hempel, John Scopelliti, Benito Garcia, Emily LaFlamme, Eric Van Buskirk, and Dan Saphiere
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Speed Planning: Manisha Kaul, AICP
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Volunteer Coordinator: Brian Larson, AICP
from your friends at Teska
A list of go-to Evanston haunts, practical tips, and a little lore thanks to our friends at Teska.
We're a week away from the start of the conference! Can you feel the excitement in the air? That's because it's a mix of pumpkin spice and APA-IL's 2026 APA-IL State Conference: Connected Through Planning conference!
This is your reminder to lock in your stay for the 2026 APA-IL State Conference: Connected Through Planning!
Once a year training opportunity at the 2026 APA-IL State Conference for commissioners and board members!