President's Message

Chapter President, Nancy Eklund, AICP 

Now that so many of us are getting vaccinated, we are starting to indulge the urge to come together again.  After so many months of being isolated from each other, a sense of relief and normalcy is starting to replace our anxiety and wariness about others.  It will take a long time before we return to how we lived before, if we ever do but, at least, after so long, there is palpable hope and excitement about the future again.

Through it all, the Chapter has been moving along, despite the constraints of our virtual operations.  Here are a few items currently in the works:

In-person Meetings

Out of an abundance of caution (and not being able to predict COVID circumstances back in February when we needed to make the decision), we decided to hold another Virtual joint conference with the Oregon Chapter this fall.  That said, if things continue to progress (herd-immunity-wise) over the next months, the Chapter and its Sections may start to hold more in-person events if in compliance with state health guidelines.  One such opportunity is the possibility of holding smaller regional in-person social events as a part of the Fall Conference.  We will need to ensure that we are legally positioned to not incur any financial risks (or health risks to our members), but we certainly look forward to being able to gather together again.

Chapter Office Management Diversifies

The Chapter Office, SBI Association Management, has informed us that they are joining with Collegium, a holding company that collectively serves “all areas of organization of the nonprofit and social impact space including healthcare, education, faith-based institutions, environmental groups, the arts, international social change, and professional and trade associations.”  SBI will remain a self-contained company and APA WA members should detect no changes to Chapter services or operations. 

2021 Awards Program – June 11 Deadline!!

Don’t forget – the deadline for the 2021 Awards Program for the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-WA) and the Planning Association of Washington (PAW) is fast approaching – Friday, June 11th, 5:00 PM PST!  Click here for more info.

Updates: more info to follow…

Chapter Delegates to APA Policy Guide Development

Five Chapter members have been identified to represent the chapter in the development of APA policy guides on Equitable Economic Development, Legacy Cities, and Zoning Reform.  The 20 Adopted policy guides are provided here:  APA Policy Guides (planning.org). 

More information coming soon!

Changes to AICP Exam Application Coming

The AICP Board is looking at making some changes to the application process.  The intent is to streamline the requirements for applying to take the exam and to develop a more inclusive process that provides all members with more opportunities to become AICP certified.  The AICP Commission will be reviewing the details of the proposed changes and taking input over the next few months.

If you are interested in volunteering for the Chapter or have any questions or comments, please get in touch with me at [email protected].