The APWA Illinois Chapter is comprised of approximately 400 members throughout the state of Illinois, excluding the six-county region of northeast Illinois, which is part of the APWA Chicago Metro Chapter. Its members work largely for public agencies, consultants, and equipment/material suppliers. APWA and the Illinois Chapter provide an outstanding value to anyone associated in the public works field. The education, networking, and camaraderie are invaluable.
The Chapter is divided into five branches, including Northwest, Central, Prairie, Gateway, and Shawnee. The branches typically meet four to six times per year and include a business meeting, topical speaker, and lunch. Click here to view more information on the branches and the branch boundaries map.
Each year, the chapter holds an annual conference that provides an opportunity to connect with fellow members in a setting that includes technical education sessions, a large equipment floor to see the advancement in equipment, vendor booths, and an awards banquet to award outstanding public works professionals and projects. Click here for more information on the annual conference. The Chapter is also a co-sponsor of the Illinois Public Service Institute (IPSI) that provides in-depth training for current or future supervisors and managers. Click here to view the website for IPSI for more information. In addition, the Chapter is a co-sponsor of the Midwest Advanced Public Service Institute (MAPSI) that provides training for managers or supervisors that want to refresh or advance the skills they have learned at IPSI. Click here to view the website for MAPSI for more information.
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Chapter Mission
To provide essential delivery of up-to-date information on the latest public works technologies and management trends. The Chapter offers its members educational, networking, and public service activities via educational programs, virtual meetings, symposiums, equipment shows, and the chance to network with fellow members in a professional setting.
2024 Message from the President
The Illinois Chapter continues to help provide its members with several opportunities to become better public work officials and stewards of their community by offering a variety of opportunities and services. The annual Illinois Chapter conference was held in Peoria on May 2, 2024, at the Peoria Civic Center. This conference provides for great technical education sessions, a large equipment floor to see the advancement in equipment, vendor booths and an opportunity to connect with fellow members. For more information, please go to illinois.apwa.org/annualconference.
The Illinois Chapter continues to offer great educational and training for employees looking to advance their career as the chapter co-sponsor the Illinois Public Service Institute (IPSI) each spring and fall. IPSI provides managers or aspiring managers with the basics in supervisory skills training that they will need to have or want to brush up on again. Find more at https://ilpsi.org/.
For managers or supervisors that look to refresh or advance their skills they have learned at IPSI the Illinois Chapter partner with the Michigan Public Service Institute the Midwest Advanced Public Service Institute (MAPSI). MAPSI information is available at www.themapsi.org.
Also, this year is a great opportunity to attend National APWA events for our member. This year the Annual Snow Conference is being held in Kansas City, Missouri from April 28th – May 1st, 2024. Then PWX will be held in Atlanta, Georgia from September 8th – September 11th, 2024. Both Conferences are a great opportunity to see Public Works on a National stage.
Looking ahead, a primary goal for 2024 is to grow our membership and encourage greater involvement from our membership in our committees and programs. Your participation is vital in shaping the future of our chapter and advancing the goals of public works in our region. We encourage each of you to get involved and inspire your colleagues to do the same. Feel free to reach out to any of the committee chairs if you are interested in becoming more involved in the Chapter.
Let’s continue to make our communities a better place by helping advance public works. Help advocate the services we provide by celebrating Public Works, Week, hosting a touch a truck event, or just getting involved with the Chapter or even your local branch. Make sure that you take advantage of the opportunities that APWA membership provides.
Mark Lee, PE