Shaping the Future, Demystifying the Work of Planners

Session 7E | Friday | 9:30 – 10:45 AM (PT)

About the Session

Paths to the planning profession can be circuitous and surprising. People are often not exposed to the profession until after their undergraduate degree. We as planners can shift the public’s awareness over time, but it will take intentional steps toward change. From working with elementary school kids and high school students to career counseling for community college and adult career changes, this session will identify ways to raise awareness of the profession and identify pathways to a fulfilling career in urban and regional planning. This workshop will include presentations of personal stories: unique paths to the planning profession and ways planners have engaged with kids and the general public to help spread the word. It will also provide an opportunity to brainstorm together on ways to engage people at many stages of life.

About the Moderator

Elizabeth de Regt Erickson, AICP

City of Bellingham

Elizabeth Erickson, AICP, AIA, LEED AP ND is a Senior Planner at the City of Bellingham, WA. She worked as an architect and urban planner in the private sector before joining the public sector (City of Bellevue prior to Bellingham) to work on long-range planning issues, particularly related to affordable housing, Comprehensive Plan amendments, and Periodic Updates. Her background in the private sector working at a variety of design scales combines with her experience working on policy issues both as a consultant and as a city staff member. Elizabeth uses this diverse background to better understand development issues, land use policy, and how to work with public. Her passion lies in creating livable, vibrant, and sustainable urban environments for everyone to experience.

About the Speakers

Dr. Tamara Laninga, AICP

Department at Western Washington University

Dr. Tamara Laninga is an associate professor in the Urban and Environmental Planning & Policy Department at Western Washington University (WWU) and the Academic Program Director for the accredited Urban Planning and Sustainable Development major. She teaches courses in land use regulations, history of planning, community development, and planning studio. She has over a decade of experience facilitating community/student engaged partnerships. Dr. Laninga enjoys helping student chart their path into the professional planning field and facilitates professional networking opportunities in urban planning. Over the last several years, she and her students have successfully received several Sustainability, Equity and Justice Fund grants to attend regional and national planning conferences.

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