March/April President's Message

By Paula Reeves, AICP CTP

The spring season is a time of change and opportunity. It is always a great time to learn more about a facet of planning that you have always wanted to understand better, volunteer for a committee, or step up to a Board position. I want to take this opportunity to encourage you to get involved in an APA in whatever way fits your needs. Please check out our Calendar of Events, contact our Board, offer to write a newsletter article, provide input on our Strategic Plan, participate in Conference planning, become a sponsor, get your AICP, or join a Division. In my update below, you will find more ways to connect with your professional organization – now is the time!        

Columbia River Regional Forum - I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to the Columbia River Regional Forum Planning Committee for their efforts and enthusiasm as well as National APA for the grant that made this event possible. The Forum was co-hosted by APA Washington and Oregon Chapters on March 17^th, 2017, in Hood River, Oregon. It was part of an ongoing effort by APA Washington to serve a growing number of Chapter members and elevate the professional practice of planning across the state through partnerships. Speakers including the Governor's Office, Columbia River Gorge Commission, and Dr. Robert A. Jacobs, along with many other public and private sector planning, policy making and resource management experts and attendees made this a memorable meeting. It was definitely a highlight of my term as APA WA Chapter President.  

 

Still time to register for the 2017 National APA Conference in New York -  Registration is still open for APA's 2017 National Planning Conference in New York, May 6-9^th, 2017. It will be the premier planning event of the year, with hundreds of options for tours, advanced training, mobile workshops, special events, and opportunities to network with planners from across the country and around the world. Register soon!  

Nominations for APA Washington Board Officers being accepted now! The Chapter has started the process of identifying candidates for Officers. Participation in the APA Washington Board is a great opportunity to make a difference and give back to your professional organization. This year you can submit nominations through our website.  

Contact Talia or Patrick if you have any questions about the nominations process. Please consider running for a Board position and look for more information coming soon!  

APA Legislative Committee Update – Once again, the APA Legislative Committee has been working overtime this State Legislative Session tracking legislative initiatives like the water availability and school siting bills, reviewing proposed changes to State law, and providing comment and testimony during legislative committee workshops and hearings. They continue to out due themselves each year keeping membership informed through the LEAD: Legislative Education Advocacy and Direction bulletins. If you are interested in joining the Legislative Committee, please contact Esther or Yorik.  

Great Places in Washington Award Program – APA Washington, in partnership with our allied professions, is launching a new pilot award program to better recognize and communicate the great planning work going on across the state. If you are interested in nominating a ‘Great Place’ to receive this exciting new award in the Fall of 2017, please contact Hiller West, APA Washington Great Places Award Chair at:  [email protected]

As always, I invite you to drop me a line or call me directly at [email protected] or 360-701-1943.

All the Best – Paula Reeves

Return to the March/April issue of The Washington Planner