March President's Message

By Paula Reeves, AICP CTP

I would like to express my appreciation for the efforts and enthusiasm of the APA Washington Board and all our dedicated members. Along with the tireless efforts of our SBI Management Team, we have continued to work diligently to serve a growing number of Chapter members and elevate the professional practice of planning across the state. Among the many activities and accomplishments this spring, I am honored to announce Karen Wolf’s election to the 2016 College of Fellows of AICP.  Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition of accomplishments and contributions to the planning profession and thank you to the FAICP Nominations Committee Chaired by Mark Kulaas, FAICP. Karen will become a Fellow upon her induction during the Induction Ceremony at the National APA Conference in Phoenix on April 3, 2016.

Our Legislative Committee has also been working overtime this spring coordinating with other stakeholder groups, tracking legislative initiatives, reviewing proposed changes to State law, and providing comment and testimony during legislative committee workshops and hearings. They have done a fantastic job this year keeping membership informed through the new LEAD bulletins. They also recently hosted the educational forum on Washington’s Climate Initiatives on March 4th. If you missed this outstanding discussion, the presentation materials will be posted on APA Washington’s website.

If you are interested in helping to shape APA Washington’s position on these important climate initiatives, please contact Justus Stewart, newly appointed Chair of APA Washington’s Climate and Sustainability Committee. The Climate Committee will be making recommendations to the APA Board this fall.      

The Joint WA-OR 2016 Annual Conference Planning Committee deserves recognition for what is shaping up to be one of our best conferences ever, the Columbia Connection. This not-to-be-missed joint conference will be held October 26-28 at the Oregon Convention Center in Portland. The call for sessions and speakers can be found at the Conference website. The deadline for submitting your conference proposal is March 31st, 2016!

Announcing the Culture of Health Leaders Program. APA is excited to announce the call for applications to the new Culture of Health Leaders program. This leadership and funding opportunity will support leaders from sectors that influence health—including planning, economic development, transportation, government, technology, education, public health, faith/spiritual, business, social service, and others. Culture of Health Leaders will engage a diverse array of professionals to take their leadership and influence to the next level; collaborate in new ways to create a healthier, more equitable future for all people; and develop advanced leadership skills to build a Culture of Health that will enable everyone to live longer, healthier lives now and for generations to come. APA's partners, the National Collaborative for Health Equity and CommonHealth ACTION, will host an introductory webinar on March 24 from 2-3 pm EST. Send an email to [email protected] to register.

The spring season is a time of change and opportunity. Maybe it is time to learn more about a facet of planning that you have always wanted to understand better, volunteer for a committee, or step up to a Board position. I encourage you to get involved in an APA in whatever way fits your needs. Check out our Calendar of Events, contact our Board, write a newsletter article, provide input on our Strategic Plan, participate in the Conference, become a sponsor, get your AICP, or join a Division.    

As always, I invite you to drop me a line or call me with your ideas and suggestions at [email protected] or 360-701-1943.

All the Best – Paula Reeves

Return the the March issue of The Washington Planner