Issue 41

Month: October 2025

This month's newsletter includes:

Conference Wrap-Up: Highlights from Tacoma 2025

We celebrated planning excellence with the President's Awards, $7,000 raised for student scholarships, record-breaking attendance, engaging keynotes and so much more! Thanks to all speakers, sponsors, volunteers and attendees - see you in Vancouver in 2026!

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State of the Chapter

For those of you who were unable to attend the annual member meeting at the conference in Tacoma, here's a brief update on how the Washington Chapter is doing in terms of membership, budget, and accomplishments.

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Peninsula and Tribal Forums Combine for Successful Summer Event

On August 22, planners, scientists, and tribal and local government professionals gathered at the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe Long House for the Summer Peninsula Planner’s Forum. Sessions highlighted tribal–local partnerships, salmon recovery, and habitat restoration, with a site visit to Finn Creek Estuary. Attendees left with new insights, connections, and a renewed focus on building resilient, thriving communities.

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Training Opportunities for
Planning Officials

New or prospective planning officials can join PODC’s free Short Course on Local Planning online: Nov. 13 (6–8:30 p.m.) & Dec. 10 (1–3:30 p.m.). Register to build your planning foundation!

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Learn How to Plan for Wildfires in Your Community!

Join the Community Wildfire Planning Center and state partners for “An Introduction to Land Use Planning for Wildfires in Washington.” This all-day, in-person training is designed for planners, fire officials, and others working on wildfire mitigation. Spaces are limited, and travel stipends may be available.

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Urban Designer Wanted – Seattle Design Commission

Mayor Bruce Harrell seeks an Urban Designer to join the Seattle Design Commission through March 2027, advising on public projects. Meetings are twice monthly (~10 hrs). Apply by Nov. 24, 2025, with resume and letter to [email protected].

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UW’s Sarah Mills Awarded 2025 APA WA Student Scholarship

Congratulations to Sarah Mills, recipient of the APA WA Chapter’s 2025 Student Scholarship! As a UW Master of Urban Planning and Design student specializing in Historic Preservation, Sarah brings more than a decade of experience in real estate and tech, blending her passion for preservation, sustainability, and urban vitality. She also serves as Treasurer of the Pike Place Market Foundation and on the Board of The Urbanist.

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More Big Things Happening!

The APA WA Merch Store Is Still Open

Missed out on APA WA merch or wishing you had gotten a conference t-shirt? Don’t worry, you can still have your favorite gear delivered right to your door! Shop official APA WA apparel and support the APA WA Scholarship Fund, every purchase helps provide scholarships for the next generation of planners. Order by October 31 to secure your items!

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Trivia Question

What regulation most directly produced New York’s “wedding-cake” skyscraper form by forcing step-backs to protect light and air at street level?

A) A citywide Floor Area Ratio cap
B) The 1916 NYC Zoning Resolution’s sky exposure plane rules
C) A maximum lot coverage rule
D) Fire code limits on masonry height

Don’t miss the next newsletter to see the answer to our Trivia Question!

Last month's Trivia question and answer:

Which U.S. city was the first to eliminate off-street parking minimums citywide?

A) Minneapolis, MN
B) Buffalo, NY
C) San Francisco, CA
D) Portland, OR

Answer: B - Buffalo, NY
In 2017, Buffalo’s form-based Green Code removed citywide parking minimums, often cited as the first major U.S. example and a catalyst for later reforms.