State of the Chapter | By Chad Eiken, AICP, President

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

Our membership typically moves up and down throughout the year, as new members join or retire, or simply forget to renew their membership (which we try to catch). At this time our membership is stable at 1,558 members, up slightly from 1,506 members this time last year. Most of our members belong to one of our seven geographic sections, and the section membership is as follows:

I’m happy to report that the Chapter’s finances are stable after experiencing unforeseen expenses in late 2023, thanks to quick action taken by the Board to implement cost containment measures and approval by the membership in 2024 of a modest increase in member dues, the first increase in over ten years.

Approximately half of the Chapter’s non-conference revenue comes from member dues, with the other half from sponsorships and job postings. Revenue from conference registrations, sponsorships and exhibitors cover the full cost of the conference and usually exceed conference expenses, which helps offset operating expenses. Chapter expenses consist of putting on a high quality conference event, management services, lobbyist, section grants, scholarships, and miscellaneous board expenses. Total revenue this year is on track at $274,000, against expenses of approximately $140,000  with several conference-related expenses still pending. Overall, the Chapter has recovered well this past year and is in good financial condition with a small reserve account to buffer against unforeseen expenses or drops in revenue.

Chapter Budget: Sources of Revenue

Chapter Budget: Expenses

At the conference, I also shared a number of accomplishments by the Chapter and Board this year already:

• Adopted Chapter Workplan for 2025 (27 discrete projects)
• Stabilized Chapter finances
• Adopted APA WA Rules of Conduct Policy/Enforcement Procedures for all in-person and web-based APA WA events and functions
• Renewed Chapter commitment to the GMA Short Course through an updated agreement with Commerce, PAW, AWC and other partner organizations
• Renewed Chapter support for GMA Planner Forums through an updated agreement with Commerce and PAW
• Created online store for APA WA merchandise
• Helped shape numerous legislative bills
• Improved format/content of Washington Planner E-newsletters
• Planned and hosted a successful conference in Tacoma

In December at our annual Board retreat, we will discuss potential items for the Chapter’s 2026 Work Plan. The Board is always looking to improve ways that we can support our members and advance the field of planning throughout the state, and we would welcome any ideas and input you may have. Feel free to contact the office at [email protected] if you have thoughts on how APA WA can better serve its members.