President's Message

Chapter President | Yorik Stevens-Wajda, AICP
February 07, 2022

A few weeks ago, winter-weary Washingtonians rejoiced at the first day the sun hasn't yet set by 5 PM. Ilwaco, Washington's city closest to Hawaii, first hits the light-after-work mark on January 18th. At the other corner of the state, the residents of Metaline Falls have to wait until February 9th. Hopefully, the growing light in the astronomical sense is matched by a brightening of our pandemic-weary spirits as well. There is a lot going on and a lot to look forward to.

A great example of hope on the horizon is the hard work I've seen out of the conference committee preparing for the 2022 Annual Conference to be held October 11–13, 2022 in Vancouver, WA. Remember mobile workshops, poster sessions, and lunch table conversations? Reunions with old friends, neighborhood walks, and happy hours? Our pivot to remote conferences was impressive and I learned a lot from them, but it's just not the same as the camaraderie, concentration, and spontaneous connections to be found in Ballroom B.

Thinking even further ahead, the board is evaluating options for the 2023 conference location. Criteria include meeting space and lodging for 400-800 people, an engaged local section and host committee, transportation options, and interesting places to explore during the off times. Here's where we've gone in previous years:

2015: Seattle (national conference)
2016: Portland (joint w/ OR)
2017: SeaTac
2018: Spokane
2019: Tacoma
2020: remote (joint w/ OR)
2021: remote (joint w/ OR)
2022: Vancouver

If you have a great idea or would like to see how to help, let me know at [email protected].

Finally, I’d like to welcome two new members to the board:

Thank you Erin Braich for stepping up as the incoming president of the Columbia Section! Erin works for Benton-Franklin Council of Governments and is excited to foster collaboration and information sharing in the heart of Washington. If you live or work in a county that touches the Yakima or Columbia Rivers (from the Spokane River to the Dalles), reach out to Erin ([email protected]) to see how you can get involved.

Welcome also Tanner Machala, the new UW Student Representative to the board. Student reps serve in a non-voting capacity and advise on the conduct of services to students and the evolving character of planning education.

Yorik Stevens-Wajda, AICP
APA WA President
[email protected]