Earlier this year, I shared that one of APA Washington’s work plan priorities for 2026 is refreshing our Chapter website. We recognize that the current site is not always the easiest place to find the latest information. So I wanted to offer a quick update on how that work is taking shape.

The Nominating Committee of the Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association is seeking nominations to fill several leadership positions at the Chapter and Section levels for terms starting in 2027.

The deadline for submitting nominations is Friday, May 8.

The National Planning Conference has many parts, and every two years it includes the Induction Ceremony for the AICP College of Fellows. This year’s conference in Detroit was extra special with the induction of three Washington State Chapter nominees – Marissa Aho, Dave Andersen, and Janet Shull. 

May and June bring new opportunities for learning and connection, including four in-person events in Seattle, Vancouver, Wenatchee, and Burlington. Take advantage of the excellent (and free!) continuing education programming happening across Washington in the final weeks of spring.

You may be aware that APA began an upgrade of its database last year. Unfortunately, that process has taken a little longer than anticipated. While most core functions have been restored, several issues remain.

During the recent APA National Planning Conference in Detroit, a group of about 70 Washington planners got together to catch up at Fishbones, a Louisiana-style restaurant in Detroit’s Greektown. A good time was had by all as we ate fabulous jambalaya, hot wings, calamari, and other Louisiana fare (in Detroit!).

The Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA-WA) and the Planning Association of Washington (PAW) are pleased to announce the 2026 Awards Program.

The Inland Empire Section hosts an annual conference at Elkins Resort on Priest Lake. This year, the conference theme is “The Road Ahead: Challenges and Opportunities in Transportation Planning.” Registration is open for the Inland Empire Section 2026 Priest Lake Conference happening June 4 – June 5, 2026. 

APA National invites you to share your perspective on APA elections and leadership engagement by completing a brief survey and/or participating in a 60-minute virtual focus group.

Are you a new or prospective planning commissioner or elected official? The Planning Officials Development Committee (PODC) is here to help you navigate the complex world of local planning. PODC’s mission is to support appointed and elected planning officials across Washington State by connecting them with valuable educational resources.

We’re developing a new webinar program tailored specifically for Washington State planners, planning commissioners, and local officials, and we’d love your input.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) Aviation Division is developing best-practice guidance to help local jurisdictions address the siting, zoning, and land-use compatibility of drone delivery hubs and similar unmanned aircraft system (UAS) ground infrastructure.

Young people are not just our future; they are our present. Washington's youth represent over 20 percent of our state's population, yet we rarely hear their voices in local planning. The APA WA Chapter’s Youth in Planning (YIP) Task Force is working to change that.