Chapters are the essential element in APWA's service delivery system for its members. They offer one of the most immediate, easy and cost-effective opportunities to exchange information with colleagues and to keep up-to-date on the latest public works technologies and management trends. Organized within nine regions, APWA's 67 chapters are located throughout North America and serve virtually every metropolitan area, state, province and region on the continent.
Chapters engage in the same educational, networking and public service activities as the national organization, but they do so close to home where members can easily take advantage of them. Chapters offer members the opportunity to attend educational programs, satellite videoconferences, symposiums, equipment shows, and the chance to network with their colleagues and peers in a professional setting.

Some chapters cover large jurisdictions. Many chapters have formed branches to provide additional educational and networking opportunities for members. Branches operate much the same as chapters, but deliver member services to even more specific geographic areas. Branches meet as often as once per month using a luncheon or dinner meeting format with a speaker or presenter.

The Illinois Chapter's 406 members come from the geographic area of the entire State of Illinois - excluding the Chicago Metropolitan area. The Chapter as a whole meets on an annual basis and the Executive Committee meets every other month. The Chapter currently supports four branches - Northwest, Prairie, Central, and District 8. The Branches each meet six times during the year in various locations in their respective areas.

The Chapter takes part in many activities such as:


Education Programs - Scholarships - National Public Works Week - Training
Over the next two years, the Chapter will be focusing on increasing membership and involving more of its members in various activities. Training opportunities will be increased through partnerships with other APWA Chapters and other organizations. Once again the Illinois Public Service Institute (IPSI) Conference was held for the fourth time on October 2 - 7 in Effingham, Illinois. There were 119 in attendance.