APA-Small Town and Rural Planning Division

20/08/2026

20/08/2026

Is your community ready for renewable energy projects?

As utility-scale solar and wind development continues, local governments are navigating their role in reviewing these projects. Get an overview of Illinois clean energy goals and policies, where projects are being developed, and current energy siting policies and procedures in this free online presentation on Aug. 25

Hear updates on state energy policy and discuss how counties are permitting solar and wind projects in the context of state law from the Climate Jobs Institute and Illinois Extension.

Sign up at https://registration.extension.illinois.edu/start/resilient-communities-webinar-series.

With: University of Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development and Climate Jobs Institute at University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

19/08/2026

Before you start worrying over AI, how about some good old Common Sense? Chris takes a look at how the planner can streamline the application process... and make deciphering them a bit easier on all of our eyes.

Governments need to make our application forms better. Not just for our city's residents, but for the staff's use as well.

18/08/2026

18/08/2026

Catch STaR's Vice-Chair for communications talking small town and rural infrastructure, including data centers and what some of you are doing to prepare ahead of time.

In our latest episode, Michelle Rathman-Batschke talked with John Shepard to provide additional context for our ongoing conversation focused on powering rural and the push for data centers to occupy enormous swaths of rural land.

Listen closely as John makes this strong case for local governments to keep in mind as they are being courted for these projects, especially when, more often than not, the risks seem to outweigh the benefits to the communities impacted. “You build a community for the people who are there, and if other people like it as visitors or migrants, hey, that's awesome. But build for the people who are
here.”

📺The Rural Impact on YouTube🔗 https://youtu.be/oxqVd9l81S0
--OR-- 🎧on your favorite podcast channel.

✔️Hit Subscribe
💬 Leave a Comment
💡Share your data center impact story

14/08/2026

Louder for the folks in the back of the leadership cue.

“Rural is not a small version of a city or a suburb.”

That reminder from Tony P**a, Senior Fellow at The Brookings Institution, during our recent 𝗨𝗻𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 webinar gets to the heart of why this conversation is so important.

Rural communities have distinct strengths, challenges, and opportunities, and public policy needs to reflect that reality. In the webinar, leaders from research, policy, and communities dig into what rural funding gaps mean and what place-based investment can unlock.

If you care about rural prosperity, you should watch the recording.

Watch now: https://ow.ly/7vqK50Zzt23

13/08/2026

In 2026, APA members will participate in consolidated elections for open leadership positions at the chapter, division, and student levels.

Being elected to a leadership role isn't just a great way to serve APA and the planning profession, it's also an invaluable opportunity to expand your professional network, gain new skills that can be applied at work and in your personal life, and achieve recognition from current and potential employers.

If you have questions about the election process, check https://www.planning.org/elections/

STaR Division participates in the APA combined elections even-numbered years--that's THIS year! All Board positions will be on the ballot. Watch for an email from APA with the details, ballots should be available online by August 5.

(You must be a Division member to vote in Division elections. Log in and check your “My APA” page for the APA Small Town & Rural Badge.)

13/08/2026

With SNAP cost shift to states Commissioner Preisler knows Le Sueur County may have to make some tough decisions.

13/08/2026

Hope to see some great sessions at in Houston next Spring.

Learn how to submit your proposal for

Propose an education session, mobile workshop, or apply to be a peer reviewer.

Bring your ideas and expertise to Houston and help shape the conversations that matter to planners.

https://plnn.org/4vuCcG4

13/08/2026

Rural tourism thrives when residents lead the way.
In Henry County, tourism isn’t tied to one town — it’s a shared effort built across communities.

During the Governor’s Rural Affairs Council tourism listening tour, time spent in Cambridge, Galva, and Bishop Hill highlighted three distinct identities connected by a regional vision for visitors, residents, and long‑term growth.

What stood out wasn’t a single attraction or event. It was the collaboration happening across community lines to create something larger than any one place could accomplish alone.

Starting with identity — not imitation — makes rural tourism authentic, resilient, and rooted in local strengths.

🔗 Read the full story on the blog https://extension.illinois.edu/blogs/building-entrepreneurial-communities/2026-07-31-rural-tourism-works-starts-residents

University of Illinois Extension Community and Economic Development