Illinois APWA Chapter Strategic Plan

Periodically the Chapter Executive Committee reviews our overall strategic plan and decides on a few goals to focus for the coming year or two. For 2020 the Chapter will be focusing on the following goals:

Goal 1

APWA will be acknowledged as the public policy advocate for the public infrastructure.

Action Plan

• The Illinois Chapter will expand the Government Affairs Committee and enhance its activities for the purpose of tracking and advocating public works infrastructure and first responder issues to the membership.

• The Illinois Chapter will investigate the possibility of partnering with the Chicago Metro Chapter to sponsor a legislative forum to present the APWA perspective on proposed legislation affecting public works within their chapter. The forum will also serve to strengthen the relationship between legislators and members of the association.

• The Illinois Chapter encourages Public Works Directors to utilize existing videos; A Day without Public Works, and Everyday Heroes during National Public Works Week to advance the general knowledge of public works. The Chapter will post these videos on its website to make them accessible to member agencies.

• The Illinois Chapter will seek to formalize partner agreements with the Chicago Metropolitan Chapter and other likeminded organizations to share in the educational opportunities provided by each, to jointly promote causes that are mutually beneficial, and use other opportunities to expand the reputation and position of public works.

• As appropriate, the Illinois Chapter will prepare “white papers” to articulate the APWA and chapter position on specific legislation affecting public works. The chapter will share these papers with the Association Governmental Affairs Committee and other chapters within the region.

• Illinois Chapter members that also serve on the Illinois Municipal League Public Works Committee will keep the Illinois Chapter informed when topics of mutual interest are being discussed.

• The Illinois Chapter will examine opportunities through Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN) to establish and support relationships with other organizations regarding the issue of homeland security and disaster response.

• Encourage the Chapter Membership to register as advocates with the APWA National Government Advocates Program.

Goal 2

APWA will be the members’ primary gateway resource for education, advocacy, and knowledge exchange.

Action Plan

• The Illinois Chapter will strongly encourage its members and agencies to support and participate in the existing management and leadership training programs.

• The Illinois Chapter will continue to partner with the Chicago Metro Chapter to conduct and the Illinois Public Service Institute (IPSI) and the Midwest Advanced Public Service Institute (MPSI) which is also a partnership with the Michigan Chapter

• Continue its support of the Illinois Public Works Mutual Aid Network (IPWMAN).

• The Illinois Chapter will make extensive use of the social media and the Chapter’s website to distribute information to its membership and public works profession. The Illinois Chapter will maintain an up-to-date web site.

• Encourage the use of APWA.net resources to all chapter members. 

• The Illinois Chapter will maintain an active education committee and promote nationally and locally sponsored APWA programs and sponsor chapter and branch educational programs.

• The Illinois Chapter will sponsor the annual chapter conference and educational program.

• The Illinois Chapter will promote and support educational efforts that encourage young people to enter the public works profession. The chapter will look for opportunities to provide educational programs to a diverse audience of public and professional organizations.

• The Illinois Chapter will award scholarships for the IPSI training program, first time attendees to PWX, and for college student s pursuing a public works related field.

Goal 3

APWA will be recognized as the brand name for credible information on public works.

Action Plan

• The Illinois Chapter and its branches will encourage the distribution of APWA publications to provide public information on critical public works issues.

• The Illinois Chapter will support and participate in outreach programs at the elementary and secondary school levels (i.e. Career Days, Open Houses, Mathcounts, Engineer’s Week Activities, Field Trips, Facility Tours, Government/Science Classes, etc.)

• The Illinois Chapter will have a Social Media Committee to communicate information about our profession and our association.

• The Illinois Chapter will endeavor to make more frequent and better use of the media to enhance and expand the public works image.

• Incorporate the APWA logo and identification on all publications, notices and communications.

• Incorporate the APWA “Public Works First Responder” logo and identification on publications, vehicles and other publications as possible to bring light to the importance of Public Works professionals in emergency response and recovery operations.

• The Illinois Chapter will partner with the Chicago Metro Chapter and contact the Governor’s Office to request recognition of National Public Works Week.

• Encourage member agencies to recognize and celebrate National Public Works Week.

Goal 4

The Illinois Chapter will be recognized for its excellent performance as a Chapter.

Action Plan

• The Illinois Chapter and its branches will sponsor and participate in at least one Chapter wide environmental service project annually.

• The Illinois Chapter and its branches will submit at least one national awards application annually.

• The Illinois Chapter will submit an annual application to APWA National for the Presidential Award for Chapter Excellence (PACE).