• President's Corner | February 2025

• Student Travel Grants to the 2025 National APA Conference in Denver 

• Newly AICP-Certified Washington Planners

• Spring 2025 AICP Exam Cycle 

• 2025 Annual Awards for Excellence in Planning

• Karen B. Smith Outstanding Service Nomination

• NPC25 in Denver is Coming!
  

• Upcoming Continuation Education Opportunities

• Emerging Professional - Winter Happy Hour 

Chapter Work Plan Finalized by Executive Committee

I’m pleased to report that the Chapter’s 2025 Work Plan developed by the Board at the December Retreat was finalized by the Executive Committee last month. This document–which is very ambitious– will guide our board, section and committee work for the rest of the year and will implement the 2025-29 Strategic Plan which was adopted last year. The work plan will be updated periodically to reflect the status of the action items. Please take a minute to scan the work plan and let us know if there are any action items you can assist us with in completing!

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The APA Washington Chapter is continuing its tradition of providing student travel grants to the 2025 National Planning Conference (NPC), which is scheduled for March 29-April 1, 2025 in Denver. A travel grant of $200 to help defray the costs of attending NPC ’25 will be provided to one student from each of Washington State’s three accredited planning programs. Eligible applicants must be APA members and full-time students. 

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Congratulations to the following planners who have successfully passed the AICP exam and the associated professional practice experience assessment.  

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If you are thinking of taking the AICP exam, the registration dates are coming up:

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The Washington Chapter of the American Planning Association (APA WA) and the Planning Association of Washington (PAW) are pleased to announce the 2025 Awards Program. 

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Washington planners have the opportunity to honor and celebrate the remarkable contributions and outstanding service of a planner with the Karen B Smith Award. This award is named for Karen B. Smith, a Colorado planner and leader on her home state’s APA Board as well as the national APA Board. She was exemplary in her service and sought to improve the lives of planners and their local communities until her untimely death in an auto accident in July 1984.   

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Registration for the March 29–April 1 National Planning Conference in Denver is now open – view more information here!! NPC25 is more than a conference—it’s a chance for Washington planners to join with others from across the country to professional connections, learn from one another, and share Washington’s approach to solving many of today’s problems. 

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While the year is off to a tumultuous start, the impact that planning professionals have on their local community remains constant. We hope that you are navigating the choppy waters to start the year! Below, you can find upcoming trainings that focus on local issues and solutions.  

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Please join APA Washington for our Emerging Professionals Winter Happy Hour! Take this opportunity to connect with peers who are new in the field, chat about emerging challenges, and gain a network of support.  

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Which unique planned community in Washington state, designed in the early 20th century by the noted landscape architect and planner John C. Olmsted, is known for its distinctive radial street layout and was intended as a model for suburban development?

A) Mercer Island
B) Lake Forest Park 
C) Fircrest 
D) Mount Baker Park Addition

The answer to last issue's trivia question:

What significant legislative action taken in Washington State in the late 20th century helped to preserve the architectural and historical integrity of neighborhoods and landmarks throughout the state? 

C) The Washington State Historic Preservation Act, passed in the 1960s, played a pivotal role in safeguarding the architectural and historical heritage of Washington State. This act established guidelines and procedures for the identification, evaluation, and protection of historical and archaeological sites across the state. It not only helped preserve numerous historic neighborhoods and landmarks but also fostered community pride and maintained the character of different regions within the state. The act continues to influence urban planning decisions, ensuring that development projects respect and integrate the state’s rich historical legacy. 

Interested in submitting an article for the next newsletter? 

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