Issue 40

September 5, 2025

This month's newsletter includes:

President’s Corner | By Chad Eiken, AICP 

Our annual fall conference is just about a month away, and this year’s conference committee has done an amazing job of producing an event that will be informative, inspiring and fun! 

"Plan Slam!" Call for Sessions Extended

EXTENDED to Sept. 10

We’re once again inviting planners to propose fun, educational, and thought-provoking short stories to tell their peers. This is your opportunity to share big ideas about the planning world in a short presentation, and in a highly visual way. 

2025 Scholarship Auction 

The Scholarship Committee is excited to bring back the Silent Auction at the 2025 Annual Conference in Tacoma!

 

Our goal is bold: raise $9,000 to support scholarships to students enrolled in accredited planning programs at the University of Washington–Seattle, Western Washington University, and Eastern Washington University.

Show Your Pride, Stay Informed: AICP News & Updates

Show Your AICP/FAICP Pride with a Fancy Pin!

APA is now making available the deluxe edition of AICP and FAICP pins. These pins are crafted in gold-plated sterling silver with sleek magnetic backs and are the perfect way to celebrate and announce your professional achievement. The pins are $55 each. Supplies are limited—don’t miss out!

A Call to Budget: Making Choices That Matter

As a parenting technique I made up short, pithy slogans to convey the truth of the world to my sons. These represented the reality and experience of what I thought they would/will/do face. I called them Dadisms cuz, well, I was the dad. And they were isms. And you try explaining truism to a nine year-old.

New! Monthly Planner Picks

Each month, we're featuring standout planning-related content - books, podcasts, films, and more. Got a favorite? Send it our way for next month’s picks!

More Big Things Happening! 

Notice of APA WA Annual Meeting

You are invited to attend the Annual Meeting!

Date: Thursday, October 9
Time: 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM PT 
Location: Pavilion AGDBE at the 2025 APA WA Annual Conference in Tacoma, WA

This year’s meeting will feature a Year in Review presented by Chad Eiken, AICP, President of APA WA. 

Join us as we reflect on the highlights, progress, and milestones from the past year.

We look forward to your participation!

 

Register for the 2025 APA WA Annual Conference

Register now for the 2025 Annual Conference, October 8–10 at Hotel Murano, Tacoma. Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

Mobile Workshops
Explore planning in action with two workshops on Thursday, October 9:

  • McKinley Hill Neighborhood Plan – $45 | See community vision turn into real-world development.

  • Port of Tacoma Bus Tour – $15 | Behind-the-scenes look at a key economic hub and planning challenges.

Book Your Room
Reserve your room at Hotel Murano with the conference rate of $189 by Monday, September 15, 2025. Limited rooms available!

 

Upcoming TrailNation Summit 

TheTrailNation™ Summit, taking place October 27–29 in Cleveland, Ohio, offers a unique opportunity for professional planners to earn 13 AICP CM credits. This is the only national event focused on accelerating trail network development as essential infrastructure for mobility and economic vitality. We believe this event will be of great value to your members, especially those working at the intersection of planning, transportation, and community development.

You can learn more about the Summit, register and preview the agenda on their website. 

 

                         Trivia Question

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

 

Last month's Trivia question and answer:

Which U.S. city was home to the first pedestrian-only shopping street built in the modern era? 

A. Portland, OR
B. Denver, CO
C. Kalamazoo, MI
D. San Francisco, CA

Answer C: 1959, Kalamazoo became the first U.S. city to convert a downtown street (Burton Street) into a pedestrian-only mall in an effort to compete with suburban shopping centers. It inspired similar efforts across the country, though many were later removed due to declining retail and lack of foot traffic. Some are now being revived with better mixed-use integration. 

 

Interested in submitting an article for the next newsletter? 

Contact the APA WA Communications Committee! Email Riya Debnath and Ben Braudrick at [email protected].

Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors

Gold

 

Silver

 

Conference Sponsors  

WiFi Sponsor 

Main Keynote Sponsor 

WiFi Sponsor

Awards Lunch Sponsor 

Lanyard Sponsor 

Session Sponsor 

Wednesday Break Sponsor

Tote Bag Sponsor

Opening Keynote Sponsor

Registration Sponsor

American Planning Association, Washington Chapter

[email protected] | (206) 682-7436 | www.washington-apa.org