Chicago Department of Planning and Development

Initially appointed in 1909 as one of the recommendations of the Burnham Plan for Chicago, the Chicago Plan Commission is one of the city's most well known and respected agencies. The commission is staffed by the Planning Department's zoning division, which provides technical review and recommendations. The current 18 commission members are appointed by the mayor and must approve, disapprove or defer any proposal by a public body or agency "to acquire, dispose, or change any real property within the territorial limits of the city" on the basis of whether or not the referral complies with the city's long range planning goals and objectives. The commission also reviews land use proposals in Tax Increment Finance Redevelopment Plans, Planned Developments, and Lakefront Preservation matters. The commission does not have the statutory power to enforce its decisions, but its recommendations have always had an unofficial and usually effective sanction. Meetings are held in City Council chambers, City Hall, except where noted by * below. See individual agendas for more information.

Members/Terms
Linda Searl, Chairman
Ald. William J.P. Banks
Ald. Edward M. Burke
Mayor Richard M. Daley
David Weinstein
Leon D. Finney, Jr.
Doris B. Holleb
Lyneir Richardson
Carole Brown
Smita Shah
Tom Byrne
Arnold L. Randall
George W. Migala
Ald. Patrick O'Connor
John H. Nelson
Nancy A. Pacher
Ald. Mary Ann Smith
Ald. Bernard L. Stone
Gracia M. Shifrin
Ald. Regner "Ray" Suarez
Patricia Scudiero

2008 Meeting Schedule
Jan. 17
Feb. 21
March 20
April 17
May 15
June 19
July 17
Aug. 21*
Sept. 18
Oct. 16*
Nov. 20
Dec. 11