January/February President's Message

By Paula Reeves, AICP CTP

2017 is off to a busy start with the State Legislative Session in full swing. This year, the weather isn’t making it easy with snowfall continuing across the Pacific Northwest. 2017 is promising to be another great year for planners in Washington and your APA Washington Chapter is bringing more opportunities for professional development, networking, and involvement closer to home for many of our members. We are also continuing with our diversity initiative, Great Places awards pilot, outreach to new member groups, and more.

Save the Date – March 17th, 2017. The APA Washington and Oregon Chapters will co-host an APA Regional Forum on the Columbia River in Hood River, OR. As always, space is limited so register now! To register for this event, visit APA Washington’s website: Columbia River Forum Tickets

Nominations for 2018 now being accepted! 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 in the planning profession. Talia Tittelfitz and Patrick Lynch have graciously agreed to chair the 2018 Nominations Committee. Contact Talia ([email protected]) or Patrick ([email protected]) if you have any questions about the nominations process. Consider running for a Board position and look for more information coming soon!

Are you going to the 2017 National APA Conference in New York? This year's Delegate Assembly at the 2017 National Planning Conference in New York will be on Sunday, May 5. If you are interested in serving as an APA Washington Delegate this year, please contact Esther Larson or Yorik Stevens. We need to appoint our Delegates soon, so let us know! APA makes all the existing Policy Guides available online for your review.

APA Washington is also making sure your interests are represented by writing to our State Legislators and testifying to Legislative Committees regarding important planning flexibility and funding measures. If you are interested in finding out more about our work this Legislative Session, please visit our APA Washington Legislative Committee website and sign up to receive our LEAD: Legislative Education Advocacy and Direction bulletins.

Reminder: 2017 Annual Conference planning is underway. This year’s conference will be held in the Puget Sound in the fall. If you are interested in getting involved in conference planning, please contact me at: [email protected]

Be sure to check the APA website for more information or to submit session proposals.

Lastly, we are looking for a new Awards Committee Co-Chair. After years of service to APA Washington, Steve Pilcher is stepping down to pursue other interests. Thank you Steve! If you have an interest in serving on the APA Washington Chapter Board as Awards Co-Chair or one of the committees, please contact me.

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 January/February issue of The Washington Planner